San Francisco is suing its neighbor across the Bay over a plan to change the name of Oakland’s airport.
Earlier this month, the Port of Oakland’s commissioners voted unanimously to change the name of Oakland International Airport to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.” “The feedback we get [from airlines] … is, because there is lack of name recognition … it is hard to sell tickets inbound,” said Danny Wan, executive director for the Port of Oakland.
“People do not know that Oakland is by the San Francisco Bay.
San Francisco filed suit in federal court Thursday, requesting the court prohibit Oakland from using the name, alleging that Oakland plans to “intentionally and knowingly capitalize off of confusion.” The City of San Francisco owns a trademark on “San Francisco International Airport,” commonly referred to by its three-letter code, SFO.
SF mayor: Oakland ‘has its own unique identity’ San Francisco Mayor London Breed also weighed in.
It does not need the name San Francisco as part of its airport to stand out,” she penned in a letter to the Port of Oakland.
Passengers have figured out how to do that.” An attorney for the Port of Oakland, Mary Richardson, told CNN that “San Francisco’s lawsuit is disappointing.
We will vigorously defend our right to claim our spot on the San Francisco Bay.
Regarding a proposal to rename Oakland’s airport, San Francisco is suing its neighbor across the Bay.
Oakland International Airport will now be known as San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport after a unanimous vote by the Port of Oakland commissioners earlier this month. “.
“The feedback we receive from airlines is that it is difficult to sell tickets inbound due to a lack of name recognition,” stated Danny Wan, the executive director of the Port of Oakland. “Many are unaware that Oakland is located near the San Francisco Bay. Our marketing’s weakest point has been that. “.
The airport’s three-letter code, OAK, would remain the same with the new name.
San Francisco claims Oakland intends to “intentionally and knowingly capitalize off of confusion” and filed a lawsuit in federal court on Thursday asking the court to forbid Oakland from using the name. “.
The “San Francisco International Airport,” also known by its three-letter code, SFO, is trademarked by the City of San Francisco.
Mayor of San Francisco: Oakland “has its own unique identity.”.
Mayor London Breed of San Francisco also voiced her opinions. “Oakland has its own distinct identity and is rich in culture and wonderful people.”. She wrote in a letter to the Port of Oakland, “It does not need the name San Francisco as part of its airport to stand out.
Wan rejected the notion that people would get confused by the new name.
Airlines have managed to accomplish this despite the fact that a great deal of airports have titles that contain a common city or geographic identification name. Airports are now able to accomplish that. Travelers have discovered how to accomplish that. “.
San Francisco’s lawsuit is disappointing, according to Mary Richardson, an attorney for the Port of Oakland, who spoke with CNN. SFO’s trademark is not violated by OAK’s suggested renaming. We intend to fiercely protect our claim to our location on San Francisco Bay. We are defending Oakland as well as the East Bay neighborhood. “.
How airlines are responding.
The new name is currently being used by at least one airline.
OAK is currently listed under its proposed new name on Azores Airlines, which operates flights from Oakland to Terceira Island in the Atlantic archipelago of Portugal.
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, United Airlines dominates more than 40% of the SFO market. The airline told CNN that it is against the proposed name change.
According to an airline spokesperson, “Many tourists who are unfamiliar with the area may become confused and inconvenienced by the name change, which could result in issues like passengers accidentally booking flights to the incorrect airport.”. “.
With a rebranding that “acknowledges OAK’s economic position and influence in the San Francisco Bay area while staying true to its Oakland roots,” Southwest, which has an 82 percent market share at Oakland, expressed its support for the move in a joint news release with the Port. CNN asked Southwest for a comment, but they didn’t reply.
The Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners will hold a second vote on May 9 to decide whether to approve the name change in its entirety.
