Long Beach Airport Director to Take Over Helm of Oakland International

The director of Long Beach Airport announced Thursday he is leaving his post to oversee Oakland International Airport.

Bryant L. Francis said it was an “invaluable experience” leading Long Beach Airport, an agency with a $42 million annual operating budget and 100 employees.

“The Long Beach Airport team is among the best I have had the pleasure of working with, and I am confident they will continue to deliver exceptional service to our customers,” he said.

Long Beach City Manager Pat West called Bryant’s leadership “engaging and strategic” and said he “worked collaboratively with all stakeholders, including airport tenants, our commercial and general aviation partners and the community.”

Francis, who has 20 years experience in the aviation industry, was appointed airport director in January 2014. His last day will be March 30.

He will be filling a vacancy at Oakland International Airport left by Deborah Ale Flint, who last year became executive director of the Los Angeles World Airports, the city department that oversees Los Angeles International Airport.

An interim director will take Francis’ place while the city conducts a nationwide search for his replacement.

--City News Service, photo courtesy of the Long Beach Airport