New Director arrives at Oakland International Airport today

New Director arrives at Oakland International Airport today

BRYANT L. FRANCIS LEADS AVIATION DIVISION FOR PORT OF OAKLAND

Oakland, CA – March 31, 2016: Bryant L. Francis takes the helm today as Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland. An industry executive with 20 years of experience, Mr. Francis will oversee Oakland International Airport.To read his biographical sketch, click here. To hear a recorded interview, click here.
“We’re pleased that Bryant is here and ready to help us grow,” said Port of Oakland Executive Director Chris Lytle. “He’s as eager as we are to keep building an exciting future in Oakland.”

Mr. Francis leads a staff of 215 employees responsible for the San Francisco Bay Area’s second-busiest airport. He comes to Oakland from Long Beach where he was Director of Long Beach Airport since January 2015. Mr. Francis replaces Deborah Ale Flint, now CEO of Los Angeles World Airports.

“Oakland is being rediscovered, by air carriers and travelers alike, as a convenient Bay Area gateway, both domestically and internationally,” said Mr. Francis. “It’s an honor to become part of such an innovative organization and to assist in the continued resurgence in flights and passengers.”

Mr. Francis has been Director of Airports in Shreveport, LA, and also served in executive capacities at airports in Boise, Detroit and Palm Springs. He began his career in Atlanta. Mr. Francis is a member of the Airports Council International – North America Board of Directors and is also the American Association of Airport Executives Diversity Committee Chair.

Mr. Francis arrives at a time of rapid expansion at Oakland International Airport. In 2016 alone, the Airport has:

• Announced new air routes that will bring it to a record 53 destinations by summer;
• Unveiled plans for direct Oakland-to-London service in May; and
• Installed automated passport control kiosks to accommodate continued international growth.

The Airport has reported 27 consecutive months of passenger traffic growth. It’s in the midst of renovation at Terminal 1 and its International Arrivals area.