Oakland, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2010) – Long recognized by Bay Area travelers for its convenience and efficiency, Oakland International Airport (OAK) was named No. 1 for on-time arrivals among all North American airports in 2009, with 86.9 percent of flights arriving at the gate on time, according to FlightStats. On-time performance is particularly important to business travelers for whom on-time arrivals and departures lead to increased productivity.

“Oakland International Airport is, by industry standards, a high-performance facility. This statistical acknowledgment by FlightStats speaks to that and to the outstanding aeronautical reliability of OAK,” commented Omar Benjamin, executive director, Port of Oakland, which owns and operates the airport. “We’re an on-time leader not just among Bay Area airports, but all airports in North America. I’m very proud of this accomplishment, and of the efforts of our staff and tenants in achieving this status. It is a result of our investments in customer service and infrastructure at OAK over the past few years,” he added.

In addition to time savings, travelers can feel good that they are reducing their carbon footprint by choosing to fly OAK where fewer aircraft are circling the airport waiting to land and idling on the ground awaiting take-off clearance. Aircraft taxi times at OAK average five to seven minutes less than those at other Bay Area airports.

FlightStats’ data also show that two U.S. airlines which serve OAK achieved No. 1 status for on-time arrivals in 2009. Hawaiian Airlines, categorized by FlightStats as a regional carrier, had 91.8 percent of all flights arriving on time. Hawaiian offers a daily nonstop flight between OAK and Honolulu, Hawaii. In summer 2010, the airline will add a daily flight to Maui from OAK. Southwest Airlines led the major carriers with 82.5 percent of all flights arriving on time. Southwest, OAK’s largest airline, offers Bay Area travelers 114 daily departures from OAK effective May 2010.

FlightStats is an organization that tracks and compiles data about the airline industry. The company examined data for the 40 busiest airports in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and 45 U.S. scheduled passenger airlines. On time means flights arriving at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time. Visit flightstats.com for more information.

The Port of Oakland oversees Oakland International Airport, the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront, from the airport to Jack London Square in downtown Oakland. OAK is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport and fourth largest airport in California, offering over 150 daily flights. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Visit our website at oaklandairport.com.

Media Contacts:

Oakland International Airport
Rosemary Barnes
(510) 563-2892
[email protected]