Ontario International Airport (ONT) saw its cargo volumes increase double digits in January compared to the levels seen pre-Covid and the hub expects its freight business to further expand. 

ONT reported that air freight grew 13.30% in January 2022 at 68,585 tonnes compared to the 60,532 tonnes seen in January 2019 before the pandemic hit. 

Compared to 2021, the gateway said air cargo was 7% less than the 73,772 reported during the same period last year.

Nonetheless, Jim W. Bowman, Ontario City Council member and Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Commissioner expressed confidence in ONT's role as a leading Southern California destination for air freight.

"Ontario International's location proximate to the nation's largest seaport complex, freeways, rail lines and major warehouse complexes, not to mention its spacious and modern facilities, makes it an ideal hub for our shipping partners," Bowman said.

Meanwhile, ONT saw passenger volume grew by 123% in January compared with the same month last year, providing officials a sense of optimism for air travel in 2022.

It said the total number of air travelers – 339,736 – was almost 86% of the pre-pandemic level in January 2019. Domestic passengers totaled 323,251, while the number of international travelers grew to 16,485, increases of 122% and 154%, respectively.

Optimism about airport outlook

"Ontario International remains an appealing airport for airlines and air travelers while being a leader among California airports in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," Bowman added.

"The Board of Airport Commissioners is optimistic about the airport's outlook for the coming months based on current airline schedules and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many regions of the country."