Ontario International Airport Honored for Community Engagement and Innovation in Airport Concessions for Its Brewery X Collaboration

Why It Matters

The award validates ONT’s innovative use of concessions to strengthen regional brand loyalty and diversify income beyond traditional aviation fees, a model other airports may emulate.

Key Takeaways

• ONT won AX award for community engagement.
• "Come Fly With Me" beer now sold regionally.
• Second Brewery X location opened in Terminal 4.
• Beer sales boost non‑aeronautical revenue.
• Partnership strengthens ONT’s local brand presence.

Pulse Analysis

Airports are increasingly turning to experiential concessions to differentiate themselves, and Ontario International Airport’s collaboration with Brewery X exemplifies that shift. By co‑creating a signature craft ale, ONT has turned a simple retail offering into a mobile brand ambassador that appears in bars, restaurants, and community events throughout Southern California. This strategy extends the airport’s presence beyond its fences, turning passengers into brand advocates long after they leave the terminal.

The financial upside is equally compelling. Non‑aeronautical revenue now accounts for a growing share of airport earnings, and ONT’s beer sales directly feed that stream. The partnership not only generates profit from each pint but also leverages the brewery’s existing distribution network, reducing marketing costs while amplifying reach. Moreover, the new Terminal 4 location doubles on‑site sales capacity, reinforcing the airport’s role as an economic engine for the Inland Empire.

For the broader industry, ONT’s success signals a viable template for community‑centric concession models. Airports seeking to deepen local ties can replicate this approach by partnering with regional producers, creating co‑branded products that resonate with both travelers and residents. As airports compete for passenger loyalty, such collaborations offer a dual benefit: enhanced brand perception and a resilient, diversified revenue base that can weather fluctuations in air traffic.