Ontario Airport's Award-Winning Marketing Strategy Fuels Record Growth

ONTARIO, Calif. – March 31, 2026 – Ontario International Airport (ONT) has solidified its reputation as a powerhouse not only in aviation but also in creative marketing, sweeping the recent American Advertising Federation Inland Empire ADDY Awards. The airport's communications and marketing team took home the competition's highest honor, the coveted “Best of Show” award, capping an evening of multiple wins that underscore a strategy connecting creative excellence with community engagement and impressive passenger growth.

The recognition highlights the airport's success in a field crowded with top-tier creative agencies and brands. The ADDY Awards, part of the advertising industry's largest and most comprehensive competition, are a significant benchmark for creative excellence, making ONT's dominant performance a notable achievement for a public agency.

A Showcase of Creative Excellence

The airport's top prize, “Best of Show,” was awarded alongside a Gold ADDY for its “Best Out-of-Home Installation.” This winning entry was an interactive booth exhibit designed for the Routes World 2025 conference in Hong Kong, a premier global event where airlines and airports negotiate future air service routes. The exhibit, which featured engaging elements like a putting green and a travel-themed vending machine, was a strategic tool designed to capture the attention of international airline executives, showcasing ONT as a prime gateway to Southern California.

In addition to the top honors, ONT secured two Silver ADDY Awards. One recognized the “Best Social Media Campaign” for its popular and unscripted “ONT Open Mic” series, which captures spontaneous traveler moments and performances. The other Silver was awarded for “Best Logo Design” for its 10-Year Anniversary brand mark, a symbol celebrating a decade of local control and remarkable expansion.

“These honors reflect a team that is not only deeply creative, but also deeply connected to the community we serve,” said Eren Cello, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Ontario International Airport Authority. “Whether we're telling stories through digital platforms, creating immersive experiences on the global stage, or engaging our community here at home, our goal is always the same — to bring the ONT brand to life in ways that are authentic, memorable and meaningful.”

The airport was also a finalist in four other categories, demonstrating the depth of its program. These included the “5K at the Runway” community event, the “ONTo the Next Destination” blog, the “Decade of Local Control” campaign video, and the “Inside ONT” digital newsletter.

More Than a Transit Hub: Building Community and Brand

ONT's award-winning campaigns reveal a marketing philosophy that extends far beyond attracting passengers. The airport has successfully positioned itself as a vital community asset and cultural hub for the Inland Empire. The “ONT Open Mic” social media series, for instance, does more than just generate likes and shares; it humanizes the travel experience and reflects the vibrant energy of the region. The campaign's success has been recognized nationally, previously earning the top Social Media Campaigns award from Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), outshining major hub airports.

This focus on authentic local connection is a consistent theme. Initiatives like the “5K at the Runway” invite the community to experience the airport in a unique way, fostering a sense of local ownership and pride. This strategy is further exemplified by innovative partnerships, such as the co-branded “Come Fly With Me” craft beer with a local brewery, which deepens local affinity while creating new, non-aeronautical revenue streams. By transforming the airport grounds into a venue for community events and local collaborations, ONT is redefining its role in the region.

This approach aligns with a broader industry trend toward experiential marketing and community co-creation, but ONT has emerged as a leader in executing it with authenticity. The strategy is clearly resonating, building a loyal following and a brand identity that is synonymous with the convenience and spirit of Southern California.

The Creative Engine Driving Unprecedented Growth

The accolades are not just for show; they are a reflection of a strategy that has produced tangible results. For 50 consecutive months, ONT has reported year-over-year passenger growth, serving 7 million travelers in 2024—a staggering 67% increase since the airport returned to local control in 2016. This sustained expansion has established ONT as one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States.

This success is particularly notable within the highly competitive Southern California aviation market. While other regional airports like Long Beach and Hollywood Burbank also invest in sophisticated marketing, ONT has carved out a distinct identity. Its marketing team has pivoted towards a relationship-based advertising model and uses data-driven, personalized campaigns to effectively target diverse passenger segments. This strategic and innovative approach has allowed the airport to thrive, consistently earning high marks for passenger satisfaction, including being named the second most popular mid-sized airport in the U.S. by J.D. Power.

The creative campaigns serve as the public face of a well-run, customer-focused operation. They effectively communicate the airport's core value proposition—an easy, convenient, and friendly alternative to the region's more congested hubs—while building a brand that people feel connected to on a personal level.

Elevating the Inland Empire on a Global Stage

While deeply rooted in its local community, ONT's marketing ambitions are global. The Gold ADDY for the Routes World exhibit in Hong Kong is a prime example of how the airport is leveraging its marketing prowess to drive economic development. Success at such an event translates directly into opportunities for new international flights, which bring tourism, business, and investment into the Inland Empire.

The airport already functions as a massive economic engine, generating an estimated $3.8 billion in annual economic activity and supporting nearly 28,000 jobs, according to a 2022 study. By successfully marketing itself to global airlines, ONT is working to expand that impact even further.

The sweep at the ADDY Awards is therefore more than just a win for an airport marketing department. It is a victory for the entire Inland Empire, symbolizing the region's ability to compete and excel on a larger stage. As Ontario International Airport continues to grow its routes and passenger numbers, its award-winning creative team will be there telling its story—a story of local pride, strategic innovation, and global ambition.