Evidently, the Los Angeles Anaheim Angels aren't the only organization envious of big cities.
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners voted Thursday to change the name of the airport to “Oakland San Francisco Bay International Airport” in an attempt to give the airport more recognition.
Despite opposition from some locals and San Francisco officials, commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the new nickname, replacing the more accurate “Oakland Metropolitan International Airport.” The airport's three-letter code, OAK, will remain the same, much to the relief of travel agencies and airline ticketing systems.
The name change is an attempt to raise awareness of Oakland Airport's location in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it has been since 1927, according to a news release from the Board of Port Commissioners.
“Our Board came to these discussions with a shared love of Oakland and a desire to see our city and airport prosper,” Port Commission Chairwoman Barbara Leslie said in a statement. “Since our initial vote, the Port has met with dozens of community leaders and stakeholders and listened to their concerns. “We move forward with a commitment to honor our past while building a stronger, more inclusive future.”
However, before the new name can attract more tourists to the modest two-terminal airport on the east side of the bay, the board will have to fend off a legal challenge from the city on the west side.
San Francisco filed a lawsuit against Oakland in U.S. District Court on April 18, alleging that the new name would infringe the trademark it holds for the name of San Francisco International Airport. That airport, by the way, is located between San Bruno and Millbrae in unincorporated San Mateo County, about 13 miles south of the San Francisco city attorney's office.
The Port of Oakland filed a countersuit Thursday, asking the court to rule that the airport's new name does not infringe the SFO trademark.
“The San Francisco City Attorney's decision to pursue litigation is an attempt to stop consumer education, prevent expanded air travel options for Bay Area residents and visitors, and is a misuse of San Francisco taxpayers' money,” Port Attorney Mary Richardson said in a statement. .
San Francisco International Airport has used San Francisco Airport or its current name for most of its history. Officials have expressed “serious concerns” about the Oakland airport's name change, saying it could cause confusion and economic loss for travelers.
“San Francisco took no pleasure in bringing this lawsuit,” City Attorney David Chiu said in a statement. “We urge Oakland leaders to come to their senses and work with us so we can avoid costly litigation. “If we can work together on a name that meets the goals of both airports, we must do so for the good of all travelers and our region.”
