Ontario International Airport has received "top honors at the Airport Experience (AX) Conference in Nashville" for its innovative community engagement strategy. The business was noted specifically for the 'Come Fly With Me' craft beer, a signature blonde ale created in partnership with the local Brewery X.
The co-created Ontario International Airport x Brewery X product is said to embody the character of the Inland Empire and is now available for purchase at neighborhood retail spots, restaurants, and community events across Southern California. This strategy allows residents to engage with their airport in a novel way.
Elisa J. Grey, Senior Vice President of Revenue Management for the Ontario International Airport Authority, shared: "What started as a collaboration with Brewery X has grown into a unique way for Ontario International Airport to connect with the community we serve."
Image Credit: Ontario International Airport x Brewery X
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Co-branding Airport Products
- Collaborative consumer goods featuring airport branding enable new revenue streams and deepen local affinity through retail distribution beyond terminals.
- Community Co-creation
- Local co-creation with businesses and residents converts airports from transit nodes into cultural hubs with experiential products and programming.
- Localization as Brand Strategy
- Emphasizing regional identity in airport offerings creates differentiated merchandise and partnerships that can displace generic travel retail.
Where This Applies
- Airports and Aviation
- Regional airports can leverage lifestyle products and partnerships to diversify non-aeronautical revenue and reframe their public image.
- Craft Beverage and Brewing
- Microbreweries partnering with civic institutions produce limited-edition products that expand distribution and cultural relevance.
- Retail and Foodservice
- Neighborhood retailers and restaurants can integrate collaborative airport-branded goods to attract patrons seeking local authenticity.
