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LOS ANGELES—Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced City Council approval of a Settlement Agreement that will lead to the transfer of ownership of LA/Ontario International Airport (ONT) to the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA). The landmark agreement was approved in closed session and will become final with approval from the OIAA.
“We are now one step closer to finalizing a historic settlement that will improve air travel throughout Southern California and benefit residents and airport employees in both Los Angeles and Ontario,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “I have long supported this transfer of ownership, and I am proud of the collaboration that delivered these results. I’d like to thank City Council President Herb Wesson for his leadership on this issue, as well as Trade, Commerce and Technology Committee Chairman Bob Blumenfield, and Councilmember Mike Bonin, who authored the motion for this agreement.”
The settlement agreement resolves all claims brought by Ontario in a litigation process that has been ongoing since June 2013. To finalize the transfer of ownership, the OIAA must obtain a certificate to operate the airport from the FAA.
“Los Angeles’s sale of Ontario International Airport begins a new era in relations between Los Angeles and our partners in the Inland Empire,” said Councilman Bob Blumenfield, who chairs the Trade, Commerce and Technology Committee. “Over the last weeks and months, under the leadership of Mayor Eric Garcetti, we have worked to craft a deal that protects Los Angeles taxpayers, protects airport employees, and advances the long-term goals of Los Angeles World Airports and the City of Los Angeles.”
“I’m thrilled that LA and Ontario are working together to build a thriving series of regional airports,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin, who represents LAX and the surrounding communities on the City Council. “Strong regional airports helps alleviate the burden of traffic, noise and air pollution on the communities I represent near LAX and this deal is good for Westside neighborhoods.”
In addition to providing mutual benefits to both cities, the Settlement Agreement also ensures that ONT employees will not be negatively impacted by a lapse in airport operation.
“The agreement ensures uninterrupted operations at ONT by providing the 191 Los Angeles World Airports employees with key employee protections and stability during the transition,” said Deborah Flint, executive director of Los Angeles World Airports. “My staff is committed to working closely and cooperatively with the City of Ontario and the OIAA to allow for a smooth transfer.”
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