The Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners this week voted unanimously to appoint Atif Elkadi as the new chief executive officer of Ontario International Airport (ONT), effective March 31, succeeding Mark Thorpe, who announced he was leaving in January.
Elkadi joined ONT in 2017 and has served as deputy chief executive officer for the past three years. His extensive background in airport operations, management and communications includes positions at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Atif’s experience and leadership as we continue our strong recovery from the pandemic and assert ourselves further as Southern California’s airport of choice. We have full confidence is his ability to lead our ONT team in serving one of the most dynamic population and economic centers in the U.S.,” said Alan Wapner, OIAA president and Mayor pro Tem of the City of Ontario.
Since its return to local ownership in 2016, ONT has seen passenger volumes climb more than 30 percent to a pre-pandemic peak of nearly 5.6 million. Over the past year, the airport has posted one of the strongest travel recovery rates in the country, while also ranking as one of the Top 10 cargo airports in North America.
“I am extremely grateful for the support of the OIAA Board of Commissioners, and the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary team of airport professionals,” said Elkadi in a statement announcing his new position. “Together, we have the honor of serving one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and I look forward to building on our role as a premier passenger airport, supply chain hub and economic driver for the Inland Empire and beyond.”
