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John Wayne Airport has announced the winners of the 2024 Fly Friendly Program, aimed at reducing noise pollution from aviation activities. Vice Chair Katrina Foley expressed appreciation for those involved in implementing these initiatives. "We appreciate our pilots, jet operators, JWA leadership, and community advocates for their partnership in building and implementing Fly Friendly initiatives. For the third year in a row, pilots have demonstrated a commitment to quieter skies over our neighborhoods," she said. Foley noted efforts to promote quieter departures and reduce late flights as part of a cleaner, healthier community initiative.
The program recognized several general aviation (GA) jet operators across four tiers. The recognized operators in Tier 1 included Baker Aviation, Mountain Aviation, and NetJets Aviation. Tier 2 listed XOJet, Wheels Up, and Air Transport (ATI Jet). Tier 3 highlighted operators such as Hera Flight, Rise to the Challenger, and Desert Jet. Tier 4 featured White Pines Leasing, LLC, Mount Olive Holdings, LLC, and Avmax Aircraft Leasing, Inc.
Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director, highlighted the broader educational aspect of the Fly Friendly Program. "The Fly Friendly Program is more than recognition—it’s an opportunity to engage with operators, educate the aviation community, and encourage best practices that benefit both the Airport and our neighbors,” she stated. Reynolds expressed enthusiasm for growing participation in the program, which began in August 2022.
