Oakland, Calif. – May 9, 2024: The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners unanimously voted today and granted final approval to rename the “Metropolitan Oakland International Airport” to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.” With the new name, the Port aims to attract more nonstop destinations by boosting travelers’ geographic awareness of the airport’s location on the San Francisco Bay.
The airport’s three-letter code (OAK) and logo will remain the same:
“Our Board came to these discussions with a shared love of Oakland and a desire to see our city and airport thrive,” said Port Commission President Barbara Leslie. “Since our initial vote, the Port has met with dozens of community leaders and stakeholders and heard their concerns. We are moving forward with a commitment to honoring our past while building a stronger, more inclusive future.”
Although OAK has been located on San Francisco Bay since 1927, many travelers are unaware of its proximity to the region’s attractions, such as the San Francisco Bay Area’s renowned universities, wine country, three national laboratories, and neighboring cities of San Francisco and Berkeley. Incorporating the airport’s location on the “San Francisco Bay” into its formal name will increase visitors’ awareness of its geography while retaining the airport’s existing brand.
“The convenience and ease of traveling through OAK won’t change with our name,” said Interim Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “OAK is the closest major airport to 58 percent of the Bay Area population. The combined population of the counties closest to OAK is 4.1 million compared with 1.5 million in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. This designation will let the world know who we serve.”
This renaming is important to the Port’s broader efforts to strengthen and grow the airport as one of Oakland’s important economic engines. The airport brings 30,000 good-paying, local jobs to Oakland and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The Port is also improving the overall passenger experience through terminal upgrades and providing new local concessions and dining options.
Also….
Port of Oakland seeks Court’s confirmation that new airport name does not constitute trademark infringement
Port countersuit also requests Court determination that no one owns or has trademark rights to the San Francisco Bay
Oakland, Calif.—May 9, 2024: The Port of Oakland (OAK) announced today that it has responded to San Francisco’s prematurely-filed lawsuit over OAK’s proposed name modification with a lawsuit of its own. In its Answer and Counterclaim, the Port asked the Court to rule that the name “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport” does not infringe upon SFO’s trademark in its airport name.
The Port disputes that the new name will create confusion with consumers as passengers booking flights into the region—like travelers to other major metropolitan areas throughout the world—will understand that the San Francisco Bay Area can contain more than one airport.
The Port is asking for a declaratory judgment, which is a ruling by the Court that the new name does not infringe upon SFO’s trademark – including when used with the Port’s I FLY OAK logo or the Airport’s IATA code (OAK) – and that SFO’s trademark does not extend to use of “San Francisco Bay.” Unlike the San Francisco City Attorney’s lawsuit, the Port of Oakland is not seeking financial compensation or damages in its filing. The Port’s countersuit sets forth the compelling reasons and rationale for the name change.
“The San Francisco’s City Attorney’s decision to pursue litigation is an attempt to stop consumer education, prevent expanded air travel options for Bay Area residents and visitors, and is a misguided use of San Francisco taxpayer dollars,” said Port Attorney Mary Richardson. “OAK is committed to enhancing its airline routes and increasing competition for the benefit of all of San Francisco Bay Area’s visitors and residents, including those residing in the City and County of San Francisco. We stand ready and willing to partner with SFO to increase choices for travelers and invite any productive dialogue to this end.”
“Changing ‘Metropolitan’ to ‘San Francisco Bay’ in Oakland Airport’s name accurately describes OAK’s geographic location on the Bay and presents the airport as an additional choice for travel into the San Francisco Bay Area,” added Richardson. “SFO’s lawsuit is a disappointing and anticompetitive effort to discourage competition and choice, and we are confident the Court will agree.”
The Port is moving forward with the name change and will be updating its branding while it seeks prompt rulings from the court and continues its efforts to improve and expand air travel options into the San Francisco Bay Area.
You can access a copy of the Port’s response to San Francisco’s lawsuit HERE.
About San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
San Francisco Bay Oakland International 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 (Bay Area Rapid Transit) air-rail, OAK enables excellent access to all the region’s business, entertainment, and tourism venues. The vision of San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport 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.oaklandairport.com.
3 comments