The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners unanimously voted today and granted final approval to rename the “Metropolitan Oakland International Airport” to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.” With the new name, the Port aims to attract more nonstop destinations by boosting travelers' geographic awareness of the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.
The airport’s three-letter code (OAK) and logo will remain the same:
“Our Board came to these discussions with a shared love of Oakland and a desire to see our city and airport thrive,” said Port Commission President Barbara Leslie. “Since our initial vote, the Port has met with dozens of community leaders and stakeholders and heard their concerns. We are moving forward with a commitment to honoring our past while building a stronger, more inclusive future."
Although OAK has been located on San Francisco Bay since 1927, many travelers are unaware of its proximity to the region's attractions, such as the San Francisco Bay Area’s renowned universities, wine country, three national laboratories, and neighboring cities of San Francisco and Berkeley. Incorporating the airport’s location on the “San Francisco Bay” into its formal name will increase visitors' awareness of its geography while retaining the airport’s existing brand.
“The convenience and ease of traveling through OAK won’t change with our name,” said Interim Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “OAK is the closest major airport to 58 percent of the Bay Area population. The combined population of the counties closest to OAK is 4.1 million compared with 1.5 million in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. This designation will let the world know who we serve.”
This renaming is important to the Port’s broader efforts to strengthen and grow the airport as one of Oakland’s important economic engines. The airport brings 30,000 good-paying, local jobs to Oakland and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The Port is also improving the overall passenger experience through terminal upgrades and providing new local concessions and dining options.
