Opposition to Oakland’s proposed airport name change has grown – California Globe

The Port of Oakland protests continue this week over the renaming of Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.

The plan itself was released late last week. According to Oakland airport officials, the name of the airport often confuses travelers because the name of the airport does not indicate how close the airport is to San Francisco. According to airport officials, the misunderstanding also cost the airport’s main air routes and passengers. While officials say the airport will not change its airport code from OAK or any Oakland visual branding, it will change the overall identity.

However, San Francisco and San Francisco Airport staff quickly rejected the name proposalsaid the name change would confuse travelers about the San Francisco airport’s name. Many travelers may book incorrectly due to name changes, resulting in lost connections and long distances between airports.

Oakland officials, angered by the higher-than-expected backlash against the idea, changed tactics this week, saying the designation is now geographic. year press releaseThe Port of Oakland also gathered some local officials to make a statement about the benefits of the name change.

“The name modification uses a key geographic feature of our region to identify its location, the San Francisco Bay,” said Oakland International Airport’s interim director of aviation, Craig Simon. “It’s not about the city and county of San Francisco or San Mateo County, it’s about our region and job creation in Oakland and the East Bay. No one holds the San Francisco Bay Area title. OAK is the closest airport to 58.5% of San Francisco Bay Area residents; Two of the five major employers are located in the East Bay and three national laboratories are located here.”

“OAK will create more than 30,000 direct jobs and generate $1.6 billion in economic impact. Changing our name will help us compete for new destinations that will benefit all travelers. There is no confusion; OAK has been in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1927.

Barbara Hillman, CEO of Visit Berkeley, said, “Berkeley is blessed to have visitors from all over the world. The San Francisco Bay Area is recognized around the world, and is known to be part of it thanks to the University of Berkeley and various research laboratories. Over the years, we’ve noticed that many travelers, especially outside of the area, don’t realize the proximity of Oakland International Airport to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is best to match the name of the airport to the globally recognized geographical area in which it is located. This makes it easier for air travelers to find and use OAK when planning their travel, and this in turn helps support more non-stop routes, which is a plus for all of us.

Although the Port of Oakland gained some support in the East Bay, other officials and most travelers continued to oppose the name. Of particular concern is the number of MPs on both sides of the aisle who oppose the name change.

“I love Auckland, but Auckland is Auckland. This is not San Francisco,” said Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). statement X on X. “Oakland Airport should not cut San Francisco International Airport into its name. Please find another way to change the situation.”

I love Auckland, but Auckland is Auckland. This is not San Francisco. Oakland Airport should not cut and paste the name of San Francisco International Airport. Find another way to change things. https://t.co/3tRt4h5Ldv

— Senator Scott Wiener (@Scott_Wiener) March 30, 2024

Carl Juergens, president of the East Bay Aircraft Enthusiasts Club, added, “I’m a staunch Republican who loves to fly OAK. The Oakland airport has gotten me on the side of Senator Wiener on something, the name change. I never thought I’d see this day.”

“Ask anyone here, Oakland is the best name. Are they worried that people won’t think it’s close to the Bay Area? Have they thought about awareness programs? Advertisements? What about Oakland/Bay Airy Airport? I’ve seen suggestions for Oakland (Jack London) Airport and Oakland (Clint Eastwood) Airport and Oakland (Ricky Henderson) Airport. Tie it there. Don’t steal the name. To say it’s based on geography is below the belt and manipulative.”

“Other airports had big problems with the names being the same. I spoke to baggage handlers at Melbourne Airport in Florida who had bags arriving from an Australian airport. All of Springfield’s airports are confusing. Even in California, people get mad every time they use Los Angeles and airlines use Los Angeles, Ontario. It only hurts people.”

The Globe also spoke to an anonymous aide to a San Francisco city official who said, “It’s politically dangerous and they might have to check with the legal department about it. It would be better to ask Oakland airports to put up a general Bay Area Airports sign to allow travelers to make a decision or advertise “You’re a ticket to the Bay Area” or something. Just avoid “San Francisco”. I don’t think they realize how stupid it is. Politically it’s bad, and legally it can be bad.”

The Oakland airport name change, first proposed in 2007, will be considered at the Port of Oakland’s next meeting on April 11.