Ontario Airport to expand international passenger and cargo operations

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Ontario International Airport, a popular travel alternative for Southland residents, got a boost to its international passenger and cargo operations Tuesday with the announcement that it will become an official "landing rights airport."

The designation from U.S. Customs and Border Protection means the airport, beginning in September, will offer all CBP immigration, customs and agriculture services, allowing the facility to accommodate more international travelers and cargo.

"This a significant step forward in our long-standing partnership with Ontario International Airport," Cheryl M. Davies, CBP director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, said in a statement. "These expanded services will boost the local economy and foster the airport's dynamic growth for years to come."

CBP plans to increase its service levels at the airport, which is also expected to construct an Express Carrier Consignment Hub to handle the anticipated increase in international cargo.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of the Ontario International Airport Authority, said the change will allow the airport to "provide even greater international service for both passenger travel and goods movement."

"Our ability to meet that market demand is a significant economic driver for the Inland Empire and Southern California, and we could not do so without the support and partnership of CBP," Elkadi said in a statement.

Ontario Airport's international operations are currently under the CBP's User Fee Facility Program, under which it pays a fee for CBP passenger and cargo processing facilities.