Oakland, Calif. – May 22, 2017: Oakland International Airport and the Federal Aviation Administration partnered over the weekend to bring “Oakland Aviation Day” to over 50 elementary and middle school students from the Oakland Unified School District.
The all-day event provided the next generation of aviation enthusiasts with hands-on training, classroom lessons, and interactive tours. Students toured Oakland’s Air Traffic Control Tower, experienced real-time Southwest Airlines operations, and visited the Oakland Aviation Museum located near the Airport’s North Field. The students also studied at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance campus and tinkered with plane parts.
“We are proud to partner with the FAA and the Oakland Unified School District to expose our youth to the important role Oakland International Airport plays in today’s aviation industry as well as historically,” said Port of Oakland Aviation Director Bryant L. Francis. “With thousands of area residents employed by the Airport and its many tenants, it is clear how significant a driver of opportunity this operation is for residents in Oakland and the greater Bay Area. There is so much to offer curious young minds while exposing them to the dynamic industry we are so fortunate to be a part of.”
Listed below are the co-sponsors of Aviation Day:
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance
- Faith Network of the East Bay, Inc.
- National Asian and Pacific American Association
- National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees
- National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees
- National American Alaskan Native Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees
- Oakland Aviation Museum
- Oakland Unified School District
- Professional Women Controllers, Inc.
- Southwest Airlines – Oakland Station
- Technical Women’s Organization
About Oakland International Airport
Oakland International is the fourth busiest airport in California and second busiest in the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving over 12 million travelers annually, OAK is the closest airport to the region’s top business and tourism venues. It is also the closest airport for most local residents.
Oakland’s air service roster to over 60 destinations is scheduled on 13 different airline brands – seven of which operate with OAK as their sole gateway into the San Francisco Bay region.
The vision of Oakland International Airport is to offer customers a world-class experience and be the airport of choice for Bay Area residents and visitors alike. OAK is operated by The Port of Oakland, which also oversees the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States.
For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps, and details on shopping, dining, transportation, and more, visit www.iflyoak.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media contacts:
Keonnis Taylor
Airport Spokesperson
Tel. 510-563-2892
Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Tel. 510-627-1193
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