San Bernardino‘s long-anticipated passenger service is finally here as Breeze Airways anchors the reimagined Inland Empire airport. Will SBD become a viable alternative to nearby Ontario International Airport?
Flight 603, the inaugural Breeze Airways flight from the newly commissioned San Bernadino International Airport (SBD), touched down in San Francisco earlier this on Thursday.
The flight marks the arrival of a new and highly-anticipated passenger service to the Inland Empire, a bustling region east of Los Angeles, and gives travelers another travel alternative to Ontario International Airport (ONT), or Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).
The reimagined airport currently only offers service with upstart Breeze Airways and has daily nonstop flights to San Francisco (SFO) and Provo (PVU).
According to a press release by the airport, the new airport will add 57 million dollars annually to the region in the form of new jobs.
Frank Navarro, the SBD Commission President and the mayor of the nearby city of Colton, noted, “This is an incredible day for the Inland Empire and its residents and businesses. Breeze Airways’ launch of daily nonstop flights to SFO, with connections to the U.S. and the world, means our community now has a convenient and affordable airport and airline choice for their leisure and business air travel needs. New commercial flights raise the Inland Empire’s profile in the Southern California region, and create much-needed jobs for our growing community.”
According to Mark Gibbs, the SBD Airport’s director of aviation, the airport offers easy and affordable parking (only $5.00 per day), and easy driving access from nearby freeways.
The airport is located a mere 26 miles from the popular Ontario International Airport, the longtime favorite airport for many in the Inland Empire. SBD, however, will shave off some drive time for Inland Empire residents who live in places like Redlands or Beaumont, although it’s roughly the same drive time for residents of the busy suburb Temecula.
And with many things SOCAL, it’s about alternatives. The SBD Airport offers exactly that, another alternative for folks looking to save a few bucks or a few minutes. That tends to be a good thing for Californians.
Cover image: From New Orleans International Aiport
