John Aitken: San Jose Airport 's New Director

SAN JOSE, CA — The city of San Jose ratified the appointment of John Aitken as the new director of aviation at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport Tuesday.

"I'm very honored to have this opportunity," Aitken said in a statement. "The spirit of creativity and innovation here at the airport, at city hall and in our Silicon Valley community is inspiring."

City Manager Norberto Duenas appointed Aitken, and the city council accepted the appointment.

Aitken had been the interim director for the previous four months and was the assistant director prior to that after then-director Kim Becker left the organization in March. He has been with the airport since 1993 and
has 26 years experience in aviation. His appointment to the top spot starts immediately.

"It's a proud moment when a two-decades-long city veteran, who began his career refueling aircraft at Mineta San Jose International Airport, rises through the ranks to be Director of Aviation," San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said in a statement.

Duenas echoed Liccardo's sentiments, as Aitken is cited as holding a key role in leading the airport's $1.3 billion modernization of two terminals, which was finished in 2010.

"John's broad experience with aviation management, information technology, and capital improvement programs has well positioned him to lead the airport team and direct the growth of this increasingly popular airport, considered to be America's fastest growing airport," said Duenas in a statement.

Aitken has a bachelor's degree in aviation from the Florida Institute of Technology and an MBA in aviation management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is also an
FAA-certified commercial pilot and a certified flight instructor in single- and multi-engine instrument aircraft.

— Bay City News; Image via San Jose Airport

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