Airport Has New Director of Aviation

OAKLAND, CA - Airport industry veteran Bryant Francis took the helm today as the new director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, where he will lead a staff of more than 200 people at the Oakland International Airport.

The airport is the second-busiest in the Bay Area, according to port officials. Francis has 20 years of experience in the industry and has been director of airports in Long Beach and Shreveport, Louisiana, and served in executive capacities at airports in Detroit, Palm Springs and Boise, Idaho.

Francis is a member of the board of directors for the Airports Council International - North America and is also the diversity committee chair for the American Association of Airport Executives.

"We're pleased that Bryant is here and ready to help us grow. He's as eager as we are to keep building an exciting future in Oakland," Port of Oakland executive director Chris Lytle said in a statement.

Francis replaces Deborah Ale Flint, who is now chief executive of Los Angeles World Airports. "Oakland is being rediscovered, by air carriers and travelers alike, as a convenient Bay Area gateway, both domestically and internationally," Francis said in a statement. "It's an honor to become part of such an innovative organization and to assist in the continued resurgence in flights and passengers," Francis said.

The Port of Oakland oversees Oakland International Airport along with the Oakland seaport and 20 miles of waterfront, port officials said.

--Bay City News