Oakland International Airport (OAK) has introduced a new task force to the team: the OAK Resiliency Task Force, which will assess airport operations and management for short- and long-term sustainability.
In an ongoing effort to address concerns about air travel and demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Resiliency Task Force has overseen the installation of social distancing markers, the implementation of safe queueing assistance at security checkpoints, the installation of plexiglass guards at service desks, the adjustment of operational plans to ease and enforce social distancing within terminals, the temporary suspension of high-risk operations, and the adoption of new cleaning practices.
Bryant L. Francis, director of aviation, told AXN in an early May interview that 15 OAK staffers were part of the task force, which was implemented, in part, to help plan for the eventual recovery of air traffic. The group was meeting virtually weekly to make the plans.
“I am extremely proud of how well my team at OAK and our many business partners have adapted, working together to ensure that safe travel remains available to and from Oakland International,” Francis said in a statement. “I am confident in our ability to move forward together effectively and successfully, and believe that OAK will remain a critical gateway for Bay Area residents and visitors as we prepare for a newly-imagined future inclusive of air travel.”