Port of Oakland Commissioners vote unanimously to take first step in modifying airport name with preliminary approval of the name change to Oakland Airport.
Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – The Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted unanimously today to modify the airport’s name to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport” from its current official name, the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK). This first reading vote is a step closer to the airport’s first name modification. The airport code OAK and visual brand will not change.
Port Commissioner Says Vote Stands For Oakland
Port of Oakland Board Commission President Barbara Leslie said, “We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay; this will boost inbound travelers’ geographic awareness of the airport by highlighting the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.” She also said, “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country.”
“I’m very pleased with today’s unanimous Board approval, especially as a proud Oaklander myself who wants to enhance economic activity and local jobs for Oakland,” said Danny Wan, Port of Oakland Executive Director. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the East Bay business community, along with our trade and travel partners representing Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, and the Tri-Valley as well as the thousands of businesses that they represent. These companies know that having more choices and flight options are good for the entire Bay Area.”
New Oakland Airport Name Part Of Broader Effort
Modifying the airport’s name is part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience at OAK, including upgrading the Terminal 1 check-in lobby, restroom facilities, and providing new, local concessions and restaurants.
Once the Port Commission has given final approval to the name modification at a second reading scheduled for May 9, 2024, staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports, and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems.
Alameda County Supports Port Of Oakland Name Change
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors unanimously endorsed changing the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport (OAK) name to the ‘San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.’
Supervisor Lena Tam said, “We must look out for the well-being of our communities and the economic health of the East Bay. The airport is an economic engine for our region, and the renaming will protect and create jobs.” She went on to say, “It is also about the environmental well-being of our region, potentially reducing carbon footprints with less vehicle miles traveled since OAK is the closest airport to nearly 60 percent of the Bay Area’s population.”
On April 11, 2024, the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted unanimously to modify the airport’s name.
Danny Wan, the Port of Oakland’s Executive Director, said, “Every day, hundreds of travelers drive from the East Bay to SFO, passing OAK because they can’t get the flight they need. For the economic health of the region, this must change.” He added, “Our renaming will make travel easier for thousands of people and help grow the local economy.”
The endorsement of the airport name modification by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is joined by resounding support from the business community, trade and travel partners in Oakland, the Tri-Valley and Berkeley including:
- Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
- Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
- Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce
- Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce
- Hegenberger Corridor Owners & Operators
- Visit Oakland
- Visit Tri-Valley
- Innovation Tri-Valley Leadership Group
- Visit Berkeley
- Visit Walnut Creek
- East Bay Economic Development Alliance
- Ridgemont Hospitality
These organizations know that having more choices, flight options and destinations is good for their customers, employees and the Bay Area tourism industry.
Modifying the airport’s name is part of a broader effort to improve the passenger experience at OAK. This includes upgrading the Terminal 1 check-in lobby and restroom facilities and providing new local concessions and restaurants.
Once the Port Commission has given final approval on May 9, 2024 for the name modification, staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports, and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems. The airport code OAK and visual brand will remain the same.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland generates vital economic activity, community benefits and environmental innovation, as the Port decarbonizes its operations for a cleaner and greener future. Along with its partners, the Port supports 98,345 jobs in the region and $174 billion in annual economic activity. The Port oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland Seaport and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square, and a publicly owned utility. The Port of Oakland is Everyone’s Port! Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook and Twitter, or with the Port on LinkedIn, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.