Soaring Passenger Activity Represents Strong International Travel Demand
LINK TO PHOTOS AND FOOTAGE FROM GRAND OPENING
Oakland, CA: (December 12, 2017) – A VIP Breakfast at Oakland International Airport (OAK) today marked substantial completion of the Airport’s renovated and expanded International Arrivals Building (IAB). The $45 million Terminal 1 upgrade includes 13,000 sq. ft. of additional space incorporating a new baggage carousel and an expanded passenger primary processing room – all creating a dramatically improved customer experience for arriving international travelers at OAK.
With international passenger traffic up 134% in the two years since advance planning and construction began on the IAB Project (Oct-2015 to Oct-2017), the expansion of OAK’s IAB allows the Airport to better accommodate growing demand and increasing passenger levels arriving from foreign markets in Mexico and throughout Europe. In 2017, Norwegian Air began service to Barcelona, and Southwest began service to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Norwegian will begin nonstop service to Paris and Rome in early 2018.
Bryant L. Francis, Port of Oakland’s Director of Aviation said: “This is an incredible milestone worthy of recognition at OAK, and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome our customers into this beautiful new space. We have worked in tremendous partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, multiple air carriers, and many other stakeholders in order to bring the promise of OAK’s international potential to fruition. This enhanced facility will allow us to better accommodate the increasing international segment of our business.”
Technological Highlights and Upgrades to OAK’s new IAB facility include:
- 14 passenger processing booths, includes +4 newly added.
- 16 Automated Passport Control units, includes +8 added in April 2016.
- 2 Global Entry units.
- 2 new bag re-claim carousels, replacing 1 old unit.
- More modern, expansive, clean designwith passenger circulation space doubled.
- New and updated restroom facilities, seismic upgrades and building systems infrastructure upgrades.
- New lighting, flooring, finishes, expansive windows and skylights.
- Reconfigured offices for Customs and Border Protection services.
OAK’s Terminal 1 facility was constructed in 1962, and houses the International Arrivals Building (IAB), which was built as an extension of Terminal 1 in 1972. Prior to today’s opening, international arrival operations had been limited to one widebody aircraft (300 passengers) at a time. With the expanded facility in operation, two widebody aircraft can be processed simultaneously, with a processing capacity of over 600 passengers per hour.
OAK now has 14 international destinations and over 60 total: London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Terceira, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Morelia and Leon.
About San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 13 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top business and tourism venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.
Oakland’s air service roster to over 50 nonstop destinations is offered on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.
The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.
For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.iflyoak.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.