Oakland officials have voted to change the name of Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, despite potential trademark violation concerns from San Francisco.
The Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland unanimously approved the name change and scheduled a final vote for May 9.
Driving the news: Changing the name to include San Francisco Bay will help travelers become more aware of the airport, especially if it is closer to their destination than San Francisco’s airport.
- “We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay,” Port Commission President Barbara Leslie said in a statement. “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country.”
What we’re watching: Once final approval is received, the name change will be implemented in coordination with airlines, other airports, and local agencies.
- The name change comes at a time when Oakland is facing challenges such as rising crime rates and losing the Oakland Athletics.
The other side: San Francisco officials opposed the name change, expressing concerns about potential confusion for travelers, especially those from abroad.
- San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu threatened to sue Oakland officials, stating it would violate San Francisco’s trademark.
