(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) proudly recognizes the dedication of General Aviation (GA) jet operators in the 2024 Fly Friendly Program, an initiative designed to reduce noise and promote sustainable aviation practices. Now in its third year, the program continues to strengthen community partnerships while advancing sustainable aviation practices.
"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,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Since taking office, my team and I have worked closely with community stakeholders and the airport to educate and incentivize pilots to fly the quietest departures and reduce flights after 10 p.m. I am proud to recognize the general aviation jet operators who have adopted greener tech and encourage pilots to fly quieter flight paths, promoting a cleaner, healthier Orange County we're proud to call home.”
The 2024 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) |
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| Tier 2 Part 135 Operators 16 – 30 |
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| Tier 3 Part 135 Operators 31 – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
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| Tier 4 N-Number Operators – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
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Airport Director Charlene Reynolds emphasized growing the program through continuous outreach. “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,” said Reynolds. “We are excited to see increased participation and look forward to building upon these efforts in the years to come.”
JWA operates one of the nation’s most robust aircraft noise monitoring programs, and the Fly Friendly Program, launched in August 2022, builds upon existing regulations by encouraging voluntary adoption of best practices. GA jet operators are evaluated based on their efforts to:
- Minimize nighttime and early-morning operations when feasible;
- Reduce measurable noise levels through flight techniques;
- Engage in noise abatement education and community outreach efforts; and
- Support ecological restoration and sustainability initiatives through partnerships with local conservancy groups
Sue Dvorak, Orange County Airport Commission Vice Chair, Fifth District, commended the collaborative effort behind the program’s continued success. “This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when community members, aviation professionals, and policymakers come together with a shared goal,” said Dvorak. “Supervisor Foley’s leadership and the dedicated work of the John Wayne Airport team have made the Fly Friendly Program a model for responsible aviation practices.”
John Wayne Airport remains committed to balancing operational efficiency with environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for aviation while maintaining strong relationships with the Orange County community.
To learn more about Fly Friendly, please visit www.ocair.com/FlyFriendly or email FlyFriendly@ocair.com.