(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) proudly acknowledges the outstanding contributions of General Aviation (GA) jet operators in the 2023 Fly Friendly Program year. This initiative, aimed at reducing noise and encouraging sustainable aviation practices, marks its second year promoting community-friendly operations.
Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District, lauded the collaborative efforts of those involved in shaping a program responsive to local needs. "I commend the dedication of participating pilots to noise mitigation and eco-conscious flying, which aligns with my commitment to being a good neighbor," she emphasized. “I want to thank the pilots, community members, and Airport staff who have supported our efforts to build a program inclusive of the needs of the community and investing in best practices that moderate noise impacts and promote greener, cleaner flights.”
The 2023 Fly Friendly recognition recipients include GA jet operators across the four tiers of the program. Their commitment reflects the broader mission to embrace greener flight practices.
| SCORING TIER | TOP OPERATORS |
|---|
Tier 1
Part 135 Operators 1 – 15 (top 15 in terms of annual operations) | - Verijet
- Mountain Aviation
- XOJet
|
Tier 2
Part 135 Operators 16 – 30 | - Baker Aviation
- Air Transport (ATI Jet)
- Volato
|
Tier 3
Part 135 Operators 31 – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) | - Global Jet
- International Jet Aviation
- Southwest Aircraft Charter
|
Tier 4
N-Number Operators – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) | - Robert & Karen Broderson
- White Pines Leasing, LLC
- Mount Olive Holdings
|
Airport Director Charlene Reynolds expressed enthusiasm for increasing program participation and its vital role in fostering community awareness. "Outreach and education will be pivotal in expanding pilot engagement and promoting best practices," she affirmed.
JWA already has one of the most stringent aircraft noise monitoring programs in the United States. The voluntary Fly Friendly Program, launched in August 2022, is an education and outreach program that builds upon existing regulations to educate GA jet operators and seek voluntary adoption of best practices for sustainable environmental aviation.
Throughout the year, GA jet operators are evaluated on the following actions:
- Avoiding nighttime and early-morning operations when possible;
- Producing the least amount of measurable noise per year;
- Engaging pilots with noise abatement education, distributing Fly Friendly materials, and/or attending Orange County community meetings focused on aviation impacts; and
- Contributing toward ecological restoration and habitat enhancement projects through the Irvine Ranch Conservancy or Newport Bay Conservancy.
The 2022 Fly Friendly program recognition winners:
| 2022 FLY FRIENDLY PROGRAM RECOGNITION WINNERS |
|---|
| SCORING TIER | TOP OPERATORS |
|---|
Tier 1
Part 135 Operators 1 – 15 (top 15 in terms of annual operations) | - Mountain Aviation
- NetJets Aviation
- Thrive Aviation
|
Tier 2
Part 135 Operators 16 – 30 | - Air Transport (ATI Jet)
- International Jet Aviation
- SP Aviation
|
Tier 3
Part 135 Operators 31 – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) | - Baker Aviation
- Cutter Aviation
- AB Jets
|
Tier 4
N-Number Operators – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) | - White Pines Leasing, LLC (N450NE)
- Robert & Karen Broderson (N3MT)
- FSB Vision Leasing 232, LLC (N16VJ)
|
Sue Dvorak, Orange County Airport Commission Chair states, “As a Newport Beach resident, I enjoyed working with the group and providing community perspective and input into this initiative. I appreciate Supervisor Foley's leadership in spearheading this effort, the Newport Beach Aviation Committee for generating the concept, and the John Wayne Airport team for their excellent work and dedication to building this distinctive Fly Friendly program."
To learn more about Fly Friendly, please visit www.ocair.com/FlyFriendly or email FlyFriendly@ocair.com.
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John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.
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