ONTARIO, Calif., April 26, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Ontario International Airport's (ONT) $50 million Runway 26R/8L Reconstruction Project will result in its closure to aircraft operations for approximately 12 months beginning at 4 p.m. PST Saturday, May 7. The project involves reconstruction of the runway's westerly 10,200 feet and includes the removal and replacement of existing asphalt pavement, signage, runway lights, storm drains, service roads, electrical vault, markings, and taxiway intersections.

"During the construction period, all aircraft landings and take-offs will take place from the airport's parallel runway, Runway 26L/8R, which is 10,200 feet," said Kim Ellis, ONT's acting airport manager. "This runway can accommodate all types of aircraft and, with coordination from aircraft operators and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers at ONT, will support the airport's existing aircraft traffic load. Therefore, the reconstruction project is not expected to cause heavy flight delays."

The project's construction management company is Parsons Brinckerhoff Constructions Services, Inc. The construction contractor is Griffith Company.

"ONT management and staff will continue to hold meetings with the airport's air carriers, general aviation aircraft operators, FAA, and other applicable agencies to discuss plans and procedures for minimizing departure and arrival delays, as well as noise impacts on surrounding communities," said Ellis.

During reconstruction, aircraft operations will maintain their normal flight pattern of aircraft departing to the west and landing from the east, wind conditions permitting.

"Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) invests millions of dollars into Ontario International's infrastructure to accommodate the growth we are experiencing," added Ellis. "The runway project will facilitate aircraft movement and operations at ONT such as accommodating the Airbus A380 that will enter service in 2006 as the world's largest aircraft.

ONT is located in Southern California's vast "Inland Empire" region that includes San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The airport is one of four owned and operated by LAWA, a Los Angeles City department that oversees an airport system in the nation's second largest metropolitan area. The other airports owned and operated by LAWA are Los Angeles International, Palmdale Regional and Van Nuys.