Port of Oakland Appeals Court Order on OAK Airport’s New Name, Defends Competition and Local Identity

(IN SHORT) The Port of Oakland has filed an appeal against a court order temporarily barring Oakland International Airport (OAK) from using its new name, arguing that the restriction undermines fair competition and travel options for Bay Area residents. The court dismissed most of San Francisco’s claims, including allegations of consumer confusion, but expressed concern that OAK’s name might imply a connection with San Francisco International Airport (SFO). OAK maintains its distinct identity, emphasizing its role as the closest airport to 58% of the Bay Area population, with a $1.6 billion annual economic impact and 30,000 local jobs. The Port’s appeal seeks to uphold OAK’s branding and ensure fair competition in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) Oakland, Calif., 2024-Dec-17 — /Travel PR News/ — The Port of Oakland has filed an appeal against a district court’s recent order temporarily prohibiting Oakland International Airport (OAK) from using its new name. The Port argues that Bay Area travelers deserve fair competition and greater travel choices among regional airports, and asserts that the City and County of San Francisco failed to provide sufficient factual or legal grounds to justify the temporary restriction.

The November 12 order stemmed from concerns that OAK’s new name might suggest a connection or shared ownership with San Francisco International Airport (SFO), despite the court rejecting most of San Francisco’s claims. The court ruled that SFO was “unlikely to succeed” in proving consumer confusion over airline ticket bookings and dismissed SFO’s confusion survey, describing it as irrelevant and unreliable.

“This lawsuit is a blatant attempt to stifle competition and limit travel options in the Bay Area,” said Mary Richardson, Port of Oakland Attorney. “San Francisco’s actions aim to diminish Oakland’s role in the region, but OAK remains distinctly and proudly a reflection of Oakland’s identity.”

OAK, a vital gateway for Bay Area travelers, has long emphasized its independent branding with the “I Fly OAK” logo and its three-letter airport code. The airport sits on the San Francisco Bay and serves as the closest major airport to 58% of the Bay Area population. Earlier this year, the Port approved a name change to reflect its geographic connection while retaining OAK’s distinct identity.

OAK’s importance to the region is underscored by its economic contributions. The airport generates 30,000 local jobs and delivers an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion to Oakland and the broader Bay Area. It continues to improve passenger experiences with terminal upgrades, enhanced amenities, and expanded local dining options.

The appeal will proceed in the coming months, with the Port of Oakland seeking to protect its branding, maintain fair competition, and ensure Bay Area travelers benefit from a robust range of airport options.

About Oakland Airport (OAK)

Oakland Airport (OAK) is the main airport for the greater East Bay, the most populated area in the metropolitan San Francisco Bay area. It is the closest airport to most Bay Area employers. By roadway and BART air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all of the region’s business, entertainment and tourism venues. The vision of OAK is to be the airport of choice for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by the Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of East Bay waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 98,000 jobs in the region with more than a $174 billion economic impact.

Updates about current departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details about on-airport parking, shopping and dining and more, can be found at www.iflyoak.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Kaley Skantz
Airport Spokesperson

Source: Port of Oakland

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