(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Fly Friendly Program, recognizing General Aviation (GA) jet operators who demonstrate leadership in mitigating aircraft noise and supporting responsible aviation practices. Now in its fourth year, the program continues to encourage voluntary efforts by operators to help minimize noise impacts while strengthening the Airport’s partnership with surrounding communities.
The 2025 Fly Friendly Recognition Winners were announced at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. From left to right: Don Wagner, Supervisor, Third District; Landon Jarvis, Clay Lacy; Sue Dvorak, Airport Commissioner; Dennis Bress, JWA Advisory Working Group; Doug Chaffee, Board Chair, Fourth District; Alex Scott, Clay Lacy; Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director; Katrina Foley, Vice Chair, Fifth District; and Janet Nguyen, Supervisor, First District.
"Our general aviation community stepped up to educate pilots, promote eco-friendly flying, and set a standard that balances responsible aviation operations with quality of life for our residents,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District. “For the fourth consecutive year, I extend my gratitude to the pilots and private jet operators making intentional choices to fly quieter procedures, limit late-night operations, and invest in newer, more efficient aircraft.”
The 2025 Fly Friendly recognition recipients represent GA jet operators across the four program participation tiers. Each operator is evaluated based on voluntary practices that reduce noise and support environmentally responsible aviation.
| SCORING TIER | TOP OPERATORS |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Part 135 Operators 1 – 15 (top 15 in terms of annual operations) |
|
| Tier 2 Part 135 Operators 16 – 30 |
|
| Tier 3 Part 135 Operators 31 – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
|
| Tier 4 N-Number Operators – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
|
Airport Director Charlene Reynolds highlighted the importance of collaboration in advancing the program’s goals. “The Fly Friendly Program reflects John Wayne Airport’s dedication to being a good neighbor,” said Reynolds. “By working closely with pilots and operators, we are able to promote operational practices mitigating noise and supporting sustainability while maintaining the efficiency and reliability the aviation community expects at JWA.”
John Wayne Airport operates one of the most comprehensive aircraft noise monitoring systems in the country. The Fly Friendly Program, launched in 2022, complements the Airport’s established noise regulations by encouraging voluntary participation from operators seeking to go above and beyond required standards.
Participating GA jet operators are evaluated based on their efforts to:
- Limit nighttime and early morning operations when feasible
- Reduce measurable noise levels through operational practices
- Participate in noise abatement education and outreach efforts
- Support environmental and sustainability initiatives through partnerships with local organizations
Orange County Airport Commissioner, Sue Dvorak, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program. “Fly Friendly demonstrates what is possible when the aviation community and local stakeholders and residents work together toward a common goal,” said Dvorak. “The operators recognized today are helping lead the way in responsible aviation practices that benefit both the Airport and our surrounding communities.”
John Wayne Airport remains committed to advancing initiatives that balance aviation operations with environmental stewardship while maintaining strong relationships with Orange County residents and stakeholders.
To learn more about Fly Friendly, please visit www.ocair.com/FlyFriendly or email FlyFriendly@ocair.com.