FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2026
Latisha Townsend – Communications Director, Supervisor Foley
(714) 559-8364 | Latisha.Townsend@bos5.oc.gov
OC Vice Chair Katrina Foley Welcomes United Airlines A321neo Arrival at John Wayne Airport
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA – Today, Orange County Board of Supervisor Vice Chair Katrina Foley joined John Wayne Airport and United Airlines to welcome the arrival of a United Airlines Airbus A321neo at John Wayne Airport – marking continued progress in her effort to encourage cleaner, quieter, next-generation aircraft serving Orange County.
United Flight 2666 arrived at Gate 10 this morning, giving passengers and airport leaders a first look at the aircraft as it cycled through JWA on its inaugural flight out of JWA to Newark.
“Cleaner, quieter aircraft make a real difference for Orange County residents who live under the John Wayne Airport flight path,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Today’s A321neo arrival shows the progress we continue making with our airline partners to modernize the aircraft serving JWA while protecting our quality of life in surrounding communities.”
Top Right & Bottom Left: Krishnendu (Kris) Bose of United Airlines, Sue Dvorak, Supervisor Katrina Foley; Bottom Right: Sean Harribance, Richard Givens, Komal Kumar, Ron McClellan, Sue Dvorak, Krishnendu (Kris) Bose, Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Nick Gaskins, Nima Javadi, Nick Anas
The Airbus A321neo uses newer engine technology and aerodynamic improvements to reduce fuel burn, carbon emissions, and aircraft noise compared with previous-generation aircraft. Airbus reports the A321neo delivers more than 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared with the older generation model, along with a 50% smaller noise footprint at takeoff.
Through the third quarter of 2025, newer-generation aircraft, including Airbus Neo aircraft, Airbus A220s, and Boeing 737-MAX 8s, accounted for nearly one-third of JWA’s reported air carrier operations. JWA’s Q3 2025 Noise Abatement Report lists 22,267 operations from those aircraft types out of 70,549 total air carrier operations, or 31.6%.
“Our work does not stop with commercial air carriers,” said Supervisor Foley. “We launched the Fly Friendly Program to recognize private operators who choose quieter procedures, limit late-night operations, and invest in newer aircraft. I will continue pushing for cleaner skies, quieter neighborhoods, and responsible airport operations at John Wayne Airport.”
John Wayne Airport remains owned and operated by the County of Orange and serves as one of the region’s most important transportation assets. Recognized as the number one large airport in America, Foley’s continued focus includes airline fleet modernization, strict noise enforcement, general aviation outreach, and federal engagement on aircraft noise policies.
To inquire about Supervisor Foley’s media availability, please contact Latisha Townsend at (714) 559-8364.
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Vice Chair Katrina Foley was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2022 to represent the newly established District 5, which includes the cities of Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, a large portion of Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Newport Beach, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, as well as the unincorporated areas of Coto de Caza, Emerald Bay, Ladera Ranch, Las Flores, Rancho Mission Viejo, Stonecliffe and Wagon Wheel. This is her second term on the Board of Supervisors, where she previously served District 2.
Vice Chair Foley’s 2026 Board appointments include:
Chair – Orange County Housing Finance Trust
Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)
Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA)
Orange County Audit Oversight Committee
OC Public Libraries Advisory Board
Newport Bay and South Orange County Watershed Executive Committees
Transportation Corridor Agency - Foothill/Eastern
Transportation Corridor Agency - San Joaquin Hills
Coastal Greenbelt Authority
Urban Counties Caucus
