Silicon Valley’s Airport Celebrates 14.3 Millionth Passenger and Sets New Record for Travelers Served

With the arrival of Alaska Airlines Flight #346 from Seattle Dec. 19, Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) marked a significant milestone by serving its 14.3 millionth traveler. Passenger Sergio Aguilera, Sr., who was traveling with five family members and connecting through SJC while en route to Guadalajara, was surprised and delighted to learn that by choosing SJC he helped the airport set a new record for passengers served.

Director of Aviation John Aitken warmly welcomed Aguilera, his wife and their three daughters, and his mother to SJC. In particular, Aguilera was recognized as SJC’s 14.3 millionth passenger to travel through Silicon Valley’s airport. The passenger was extremely appreciative to receive gift bags filled with travel essentials from SJC, Alaska, and other airport partners, and complimented the Airport team on his family’s travel experience using SJC. View event photos and video on SJC’s Twitter and Facebook pages. 

“With his arrival through Silicon Valley’s airport, Aguilera helped SJC mark an important milestone in the airport’s 70-year history,” said Aitken. “It was heartwarming for the Airport team to focus on Mr. Aguilera and his family, giving them a break from their long travel day which began in Washington state this morning as they ‘head home for the holidays’ to visit family and friends in Mexico.”

SJC currently ranks as the No. 2 Bay Area airport in terms of travelers served. This achievement is due to the growth in airlines, flights and destinations which resumed in 2010, after the Great Recession, and has continued in 2018. Service highlights include:

• Nonstop flights to Beijing, London-Heathrow, Tokyo, Vancouver, and numerous cities in Mexico continue to thrive and attract Bay Area travelers – new and returning
• Domestic carriers steadily and consistently adding service to the cities Silicon Valley travelers want to go to nonstop, e.g., Detroit, New York area (now morning, afternoon and evening flights) and Orlando
• Strong 8 percent growth across key West Coast markets, e.g., Bay-to-LA Basin (60 peak daily roundtrips) and Seattle (18 peak daily roundtrips)

As SJC marks an all-time passenger record, the Airport team continues to focus on enhancing passenger facilities and services. Set for delivery in 2019 are six additional gates; facial biometrics for departing international flights; new concessions, to include Shake Shack, Chick-fil-A and Trader Vic’s; and an all-electric bus fleet.