ONTARIO >> A former Los Angeles World Airports executive has been recruited by the Ontario International Airport Authority to oversee all facets of development.
The latest hiring by the airport authority could bode well for those hoping for new air service at L.A./Ontario International Airport when it assumes local control in November.
Mark Thorpe, who previously worked for Los Angeles World Airports, has been name the chief development officer, the authority announced Thursday.
Thorpe recruited four new airlines between 2003 and 2007 to Ontario airport which lead to 16 new destinations in the U.S. and Mexico when he served as director of air service development and marketing for Los Angeles World Airports.
He remained in that position until 2011 when he left to work for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
“I know Ontario’s tremendous potential for growth from first-hand experience,” said Thorpe in a statement. “I’m delighted to be coming back here, and I’m eager to begin the hard work necessary to enable this airport to reach that potential.”
He will oversee commercial business, passenger, cargo and property development at the Ontario airport.
At Dallas Fort Worth, Thorpe has held several roles in the air service development division. He executing the airport’s business development strategy which brought in 11 airlines – many international carriers – during a three-year period. Most recently, he oversaw the newly formed Cargo Business Development group.
Thorpe, who has 17 years of experience in aviation, has also served as a management consultant and attorney for airlines, airport and federal regulatory agencies.
