Ontario International Airport Earns Industry Recognition for Community-Driven Concessions Partnership with Brewery X

Ontario International Airport (ONT) has been recognized for its approach to community engagement and concessions innovation, earning top honors at the Airport Experience (AX) Conference in Nashville for a craft beer collaboration with local brewer Brewery X.

The airport received the Best Community Engagement Initiative award for its “Come Fly With Me” craft beer program, a partnership designed to connect the airport more closely with the surrounding Inland Empire community while expanding non-aeronautical revenue opportunities.

Originally introduced at Brewery X’s location in Terminal 2, the ONT-branded blonde ale quickly gained traction with travelers and has since expanded beyond the airport. The beer is now available at select retail and hospitality locations across Southern California, extending the airport’s brand presence into local restaurants, venues and community events.

Airport officials say the initiative reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the relationship between the airport and the region it serves by integrating local brands into the passenger experience.

The recognition comes as ONT also expands the Brewery X presence inside the terminal. A second Brewery X location recently opened in Terminal 4 near Gate 408, complementing the Terminal 2 location that began serving passengers in late 2023.

Airport leaders say the collaboration represents a different approach to concessions strategy. While many airports incorporate local food and beverage brands into terminal offerings, ONT worked directly with Brewery X to develop a co-branded product tied specifically to the airport.

By distributing the beer beyond airport terminals and into community venues and events, the program also creates additional touchpoints with local residents and travelers outside the traditional airport environment.

Industry observers increasingly view these types of partnerships as a way for airports to differentiate their concessions programs while strengthening non-aeronautical revenue streams and reinforcing regional identity within the passenger experience.

Each sale of the beer contributes to ONT’s diversified revenue portfolio while also supporting broader brand awareness for the airport across Southern California.

Ontario International Airport, located roughly 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, serves as a major aviation gateway for the Inland Empire and offers nonstop service to destinations across the United States, Mexico, Central America and Asia.