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Giant Baby Chicken Lands at San José Mineta International Airport
San José, Calif. – In a homage to its origins, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) has introduced a larger-than-life feature to its recently launched "Baby Chickens Take Flight at SJC" 75th Anniversary campaign. The installation, a 10-foot-tall inflatable baby chicken, has found a home in the Terminal B Baggage Claim area.
On Feb. 1, 1949, San José Municipal Airport opened its runways to commercial air service, with an official dedication ceremony and its inaugural flight. This first arriving flight carried seven human passengers and 2,550 baby chickens, with only the latter deplaning in San José.
To honor this milestone, the Airport recently launched a 75th anniversary campaign featuring baby chickens that has already captured the attention and hearts of passengers traveling through the Airport. This latest installation will provide another way for travelers to celebrate with SJC in a fun and unique way.
In conjunction with the arrival of the new larger-than-life display, SJC has announced the "Pic with a Baby Chick” Sweepstakes. Participants are encouraged to take photos with any of the baby chicken displays throughout the Airport and share them on social media using #sjc75 and #PicWithABabyChick for a chance to win an exclusive commemorative 75-year anniversary swag pack. Details and sweepstakes rules are available here.
"I'm excited to be joining SJC in the midst of commemorating a significant milestone in the Airport's history," said SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel. “We’ve come a long way from welcoming 2,550 baby chickens on opening day to more than 12 million humans last year, but we’re as focused as ever on delivering the same convenient and reliable airport experience that City leaders set out to do in 1949.”
The inflatable baby chicken complements other festive decorations including over 1,000 baby chicken window clings and four 7-foot-tall standees installed throughout the terminals. The displays create a fun backdrop for passengers to capture memorable selfies.
Passengers and community members are encouraged discover SJC’s history, join in the celebration and participate in upcoming activities throughout the year at flysjc.com/75years.
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José–the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. In 2023, SJC welcomed more than 12 million passengers and was rated the Best Midsize Airport in the U.S. by Wall Street Journal. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. In 2024, SJC is celebrating 75 years of connecting the Bay Area with the world. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
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