Port of Oakland leaders send message to East Bay businesses: Fly OAK first

The Port of Oakland and its Oakland International Airport (OAK) are aiming to reinvigorate air travel by taking its message of resilience directly to the East Bay’s business community. The air travel industry has begun to show signs of recovery in Oakland after industry-wide declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As more travelers return to flying this summer across the country, the Port and Airport (which is owned and operated by the Port of Oakland) have launched a campaign urging passengers to check Oakland first for their air travel needs. The campaign includes in-person online presentations to business audiences throughout the East Bay, as well as a month-long multimedia campaign, which features digital and broadcast advertisements. In June, the Airport expects passenger activity to be approximately 20% of the level experienced in June 2019. That is an improvement over the 11% result in May. Demand appears to be on the rise as flights and seat capacity increase to meet that need.
Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Bryant L. Francis said, “With the industry still adjusting to COVID-19, it is critical that we to take our message of resilience directly to Bay Area residents, including numerous efforts to speak with members of the business community. OAK is the closest airport to a majority of the Bay Area’s businesses and residents, and we are proud to serve them.”
Francis spoke to Rotary Clubs in Castro Valley and San Ramon Valley on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, respectively. Port of Oakland Executive Director Danny Wan participated in the Innovation Tri-Valley CEO Roundtable on Tuesday, urging business support for the Port of Oakland with a heavy emphasis on flying from Oakland International as often as possible to promote future air service growth opportunities.