Immediate Release

Contact

October 22, 2002

Steve Luckenbach
Communications Manager
(408) 501-7700

Mineta San José International Airport Reopens Runway 30 Left

Reconstruction improves flight operations and environmental impact

San José, CA ---- Mineta San José International Airport today reopened Runway 30 Left after 6 months of much needed reconstruction and improvement. This project improves flight operations and environmental impact.

“Together our new runways strengthen our ability to ensure on-time operations and more efficient travel that will benefit passengers and airlines,“ said San José Mayor Ron Gonzales. “This is one more milestone as we fulfill our long-term commitment to improve quality, service, and security of Mineta San Jose International Airport."

With today’s opening, Runway 30 Left becomes the primary runway for arrivals and Runway 30 Right, which opened in August 2001, the primary runway for departures. Rather than simultaneous runway operations, air carriers will utilize the two parallel runways at staggered intervals. The positive environmental impact is reduced peak period delays, ground taxi time and aircraft idling.

Closed in April 2002, the 10,200-foot Runway 30 Left consisted of 8,900 feet of asphalt with concrete at each end before construction began. The asphalt portion now has eighteen inches of new concrete pavement on an asphalt base. Additional improvements are planned for Runway 30 Left next spring, when it will be lengthened to 11,000 feet. Next year’s construction, however, will not require closure of the runway.

Funding sources for the $40 million construction cost were primarily from Federal monies and grants, including Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). No local taxes were used to fund this project. The construction contractor was R & L Brosamer, Inc.

The City of San José began planning for the Airport Improvement Program in 1988. The City Council approved the plan in June 1997. In a long-awaited ruling, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) granted its required approval in December 1999.

Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is owned and operated by the City of San José. Serving Silicon Valley, daily nonstop service is offered to 34 domestic and international cities. In 2001, SJC served 13.1 million passengers. In an effort to improve customer service, the Airport Improvement Program is underway. Currently, the Airport Boulevard-Terminal Drive Project is scheduled for completion in December 2002.