John Aitken, A.A.E, has been promoted to assistant director of aviation for Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) by Director of Aviation Kim Becker Aguirre after a national recruitment.
Aitken has served as acting assistant director of aviation since 2013 and deputy director of aviation – operations at Silicon Valley’s airport since 2002, and he has been with SJC since 1993. This experience has included managing the administrative functions of the Airport Director’s Office as well as the five Airport divisions: operations, facilities, finance, planning & development and business development.
“After a national search, I’m pleased to announce the right candidate for SJC’s assistant director of aviation has been working alongside me for the past several years. John’s extensive experience in both the industry and at SJC offers me continued support in leading the airport team. Our focus will remain delivering hi-tech and high-touch solutions to Silicon Valley travelers through excellence in safety and security, customer service, convenience and efficiency,” said Becker Aguirre.
Aitken played a key role on the management team in designing, building and operating the airport’s $1.3B modernization of two terminals completed in 2010. As acting assistant director of aviation, he has begun leading senior staff in a redesign of both the airport’s strategic plan and information technology master plan. Aitken’s experience and knowledge of airport and aircraft operations will serve SJC well as staff focuses on continued development of corporate aviation.
“As a veteran member of the SJC team, I’m thrilled to continue my commitment to serving our local residents and businesses,” said Aitken. “Together, we have built a strong foundation for growth in both the commercial and corporate aviation sectors. I’m pleased to continue the momentum to ensure Silicon Valley travelers have convenient and efficient flight choices for where and when they want to go.”
Aitken earned a bachelor’s degree in aviation management from Florida Institute of Technology, and an MBA in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University based in Daytona Beach, Florida. He also is an accredited airport executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. Aitken is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration both as a commercial pilot and certified flight instructor in single- and multi-engine, instrument aircraft.
A link to Aitken’s photo is provided here. He officially started in his new post on March 1, 2015.
About Mineta San José International Airport
Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is Silicon Valley’s airport, a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC served 9.4 million passengers in 2014, a 7 percent increase year-over-year. SJC offers approximately 130 daily flights on 11 domestic and international carriers to 31 nonstop destinations.
SJC’s five-star customer service experience sets it apart from other Bay Area and US airports. Airlines and passengers respond positively to SJC’s customer amenities, including modern terminal buildings, free and fast WiFi, comfortable seating with built-in power outlets, a luxurious, award-winning lounge open to all travelers, a rental car center conveniently located across from the terminals and Global Entry kiosks to expedite arriving international passengers. Silicon Valley’s airport is located in San José, California’s third largest city and the nation’s tenth largest city. SJC facts can be found here. For more airport information, visit www.flysanjose.com.
