Tough Choices Ahead for San Jose Airport Officials

Officials at San Jose-Mineta airport warn that painful choices will need to be made in order to prevent "failure," according to airport aviation director Bill Sherry. A significant drop in flights and passengers, combined with a hefty $1.3 billion renovation bill mean that airport will need to consider big changes - and soon. At a special City Council session this week, many suggestions, including lifting the overnight flight curfew, and suspending the current living wage for airport personnel were discussed. Read more from the SJ Mercury News.

Renovation Plans For SFO Released

Initial plans for the currently vacant terminal 2 at SFO have been released, and things are looking up. According to SF Gate, the 2 1/2 year project, expected to cost $383 million will include 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, with a Main Street feel. Planners are also reportedly taking steps to minimize the hassle and discomfort of the security checkpoint area, including a "passenger recomposure" area post-security, allowing travelers to collect themselves after security.

Oakland To Loose Continental Airlines

In a notice to employees Thursday, Continental Airlines announced they will eliminate flights to 15 cities, including Oakland International. The airline has 3 daily flights from Oakland to its Houston hub. Flights will be discontinued in September.

Oakland has been hammered recently after carriers ATA, Aloha and Skybus ceased operations leaving several Oakland passengers stranded. American Airlines previously announced it too will end Oakland operations later this fall, they also had 3 daily flights to their Dallas hub.

No surprise that airline traffic is down 20% off last years numbers at OAK, making it one of the hardest hit airports in the country. Officials at the airport are planning on cutting jobs, and shelving plans for a third terminal.

Affected Continental passengers holding confirmed reservations can receive a full refund, accommodated on another airline, or fly from San Francisco or San Jose.

Demolition of San Jose's Terminal C begins

Demolition of the north end of Terminal C at Mineta San José International Airport began last night in order to clear the site for the start of construction of the airport's new Terminal B.

Over the next month, construction crews will work nights from about 10:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to take down the structural frame of the building,remove debris, and prepare the site for new construction.

The work is part of the airport's comprehensive $1.3 billion program to replace and renovate all the terminal facilities, roadways, and parking over the next two and a half years. When Terminal B is placed in service in mid-2010, the remainder of Terminal C will be removed so that the final section of the new terminal roadway can be completed.

More information about the airport improvements can be found here.