John Martin, executive director of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), has accepted a position as the California Airport Council President. Martin will head this new organization in addition to his current responsibilities at SFO. The California Airport Council is an organization formed by the 30 commercial airports throughout the state and will dedicate its work to advocacy and education on issues facing commercial airports. The organization of the group was prompted by the economic downturn and state officials realization that the air travel industry plays an important role in California's transportation and economic future.
The California Airport Council hopes to increase the use of air travel to and from California in order to create local jobs, ensure statewide economic growth and boost tourism throughout the state. Supporters of the organization are convinced that the increase of air travel will help boost the state's economy and several city mayors have spoken out in support of this belief. San Francisco's Mayor, Gavin Newsom was a very vocal supporter of the creation of the organization and commented that during these challenging economic times "San Francisco International Airport maintains strong passenger growth." Tourism officials are also rallying behind the council and foresee a bright future for tourism in the state.
