Ontario Airport Finalizes First Independent Airline ULA Agreement

Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California has finalized its first independent use and land agreement (ULA) with airline partners, marking a major milestone since gaining independence from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) in 2016. This new agreement replaces the previous ULA negotiated by LAWA in 1999, providing updated terms on gate assignments, space usage, and cost structures.

ONT, located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), serves California’s Inland Empire region, home to 4.7 million residents. In the first half of 2025, the airport handled 3.35 million passengers, reflecting a 0.9% year-over-year increase.

“This new ULA represents years of work and thoughtful negotiation,” said Alan Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) board. “It establishes a solid financial framework for the future.”

Under the agreement, 75% of ground transportation revenue is allocated to participating airlines. The ULA also increases financial transparency and gives the airport greater flexibility to advance capital projects efficiently and sustainably.

Southwest Airlines leads ONT’s market with a 35.7% share, followed by American Airlines (15.5%), Frontier Airlines (10.5%), United Airlines (10.3%), and Delta Air Lines (10%). ONT also offers international service through Avianca, China Airlines, and Volaris.

ONT CEO Atif Elkadi emphasized that the agreement is more than a contract—it symbolizes collaboration and shared commitment with airline partners. “This ULA reflects the strong partnerships we’ve built and our unified goal to grow in ways that benefit travelers, the region, and the aviation industry,” Elkadi stated.

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