Global travel grows as Ontario Airport, CA, opens new global entry center

Friday, December 22, 2023

Ontario Airport and CBP unveil new Global Entry Center in California, boosting travel efficiency and local economy for Inland Empire and beyond.

Thursday marked a significant moment at Ontario International Airport (ONT) and for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as they jointly launched the Global Entry Enrollment Center, a new facility at this bustling California airport.

This center is the latest addition in California, becoming the sixth of its kind, and it provides a much-needed facility for the Inland Empire and surrounding areas. International travelers who are part of the Global Entry program, known for its speedy processing of pre-approved, low-risk individuals upon their entry into the U.S., will find this center particularly beneficial. Prior to this, those nearest to ONT had to travel to Los Angeles International Airport for similar services.

Alan D. Wapner, the President of the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) Board of Commissioners, expressed a strong sense of pride regarding ONT being selected as the site for the new center. He highlighted how this development is set to improve the travel experience for those in Southern California.

Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles, highlighted the commitment of CBP to enhance customer service through this expansion, noting its potential to draw more applicants from the Greater Los Angeles region and boost the local economy.

Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) spoke highly of Ontario Airport’s value to the Inland Empire, acknowledging her support for this and other projects aimed at improving the airport’s efficiency for both passengers and cargo.

The Global Entry program employs advanced processing technologies and dedicated lanes to swiftly process international travelers who have undergone thorough background checks and interviews. To schedule an interview at the center, travelers must first be pre-approved online.

This addition comes at a time when Ontario Airport has observed a doubling in international travel, with direct flights to Taiwan, Mexico, and Latin America. In a collaborative effort in October, ONT and CBP introduced Simplified Arrivals, utilizing facial biometrics to streamline the entry process into the U.S., offering a more secure and efficient experience. This technology complements the Federal Inspection Station and any future international terminals at ONT, which were recently named in honor of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a key advocate for the airport’s transition to local governance.

Atif Elkadi, CEO of OIAA, expressed pride in the partnership with CBP, noting the important role of the Global Entry program in enhancing the airport’s international travel offerings. He stressed the significance of this development in establishing the region as a major gateway into Southern California.

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