By Khalida Sarwari
Officials at Mineta San Jose International Airport unveiled the airport’s brand new Terminal B tonight.
Terminal B is part of the first phase of the airport’s $1.3 billion modernization program and will connect with the north concourse to provide ticketing, baggage claim and security functions.
It will also feature an air chair that provides fresh air directly to passengers from below each seat and will provide outlets for passengers’ electronics.
Fentress Architects designed the 380,000-square-foot terminal as part of an overall airport renovation that also includes a consolidated rental car facility, roadway and parking improvements, upgrades to Terminal A, and the demolition of Terminal C, the airport’s oldest terminal.
Once Terminal C is demolished to make room for future terminal expansion, all airlines using the terminal will move to either Terminal A or B.
A grand opening celebration with live music was held from 6 to 10 p.m. tonight.
The first flight out of Terminal B is scheduled for Wednesday.