LOS ANGELES — California's Ontario International Airport officially reverted to local control after more than four years of negotiations between Los Angeles, the city of Ontario and Inland Empire regional leaders.
The transfer became official Wednesday after final approval and issuance of an airport operating certificate by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Ontario International Airport Authority closed last week on a $52 million taxable refunding to replace outstanding bonds issued by Los Angeles World Airports for the airport.
The transfer process began on Aug. 6, 2015, after Los Angeles and Ontario officials agreed to settle a lawsuit brought by Ontario against LAWA, which had controlled the Inland Empire airport since the 1960s. The bond refunding was part of the settlement agreement.
The settlement outlined the terms to allow the transfer of ownership of ONT to the Ontario International Airport Authority subject to approvals by the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners, Los Angeles City Council, Ontario City Council, the OIAA, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The stakeholders gave final approvals earlier this year and have been working since then with the FAA to complete the transaction.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the ownership transfer alongside Sen. Dianne Feinstein, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, OIAA President and Ontario Councilmember Alan D. Wapner during a Wednesday press conference.
Garcetti called the milestone a significant step forward for regional air travel, improving air quality, and connectivity across Southern California.
"I have supported this transfer of Ontario International Airport to local control since I came into office," Garcetti said in a statement. "I'm pleased by the cooperation and partnership that brought us to this day; and proud to celebrate this incredible milestone."
Ontario Councilmember Alan Wapner, OIAA president and a leader in efforts to return the airport to local control thanked Garcetti and LAWA CEO Deborah Flint "for their commitment to airport regionalization that has made this historic day a reality."
