27Jul2009

San Jose Airport Information


The San Jose Airport was first conceived in 1939 when wholesaler and future San Jose mayor Ernie Renzel purchased the Stockton Ranch with plans to build an airport there. In 1945, James Nissen, a test pilot, leased some land there to build a runway, hangar and office for his privately owned flight school. After the city approved the building of a municipal airport, Nissen sold his share of the land and worked with Renzel to plan and develop the project.

But it wasn't until 1965, after decades of planning and development, that the city saw the completion of what is now Terminal C. In 2001, SJC was renamed the Norman Y. Mineta International Airport, after another former SJ mayor and congressman.

The city of San Jose is the most populous city in the Bay Area. Its airport, however, is actually the smallest of the three airports in the region. The San Jose International Airport (SJC) services less than a third of the number of passengers that go through the San Francisco International Airport (SFO). SJC is largely used by residents for whom SFO is too far out of the way. In the next few years, however, a long-planned expansion of San Jose International Airport is come near completion. The renovation includes a brand new and bigger architectural design as well a renovated San Jose airport parking structure.

The first expansion plan was made in 2004, and it included the creation of a single, consolidated terminal with 40 gates as well as a VTA light rail and a new BART station connecting to the new terminal. There would also be a new SJC parking garage and new short-term parking structure. In 2005, however the plan was revised, and a new, more scaled back plan was passed. This new plan includes a North Concourse, expected for completion in 2010. Terminal A will be expanded, with additional check in counters; drop-off and pick-up curb space and security check points. The projected cost of this new plan is roughly $1.3 billion. The original plan was $3 billion. The sail shape design of the airport and the master plan were created by Gensler and the Steinberg Group.

When going to the airport, parking is always important to travelers. Next time when you need to park, see how San Jose airport parking makes it easier for you traveling.

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