Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is a compact powerhouse of an airport. Despite being land-constrained with 1,050 acres, there are 135 daily flights on 10 airlines serving 29 nonstop markets — all from just two terminals and two runways!

Service spans the globe, with nonstop flights to Tokyo, Cabo San Lucas and Guadalajara. Flights to four of the Hawaiian Islands have also been popular with Silicon Valley travelers. And, after a universal slump in air travel, things are looking up for SJC which just posted its 21st consecutive month of passenger growth in September. SJC expects to serve more than 9 million passengers in 2014, up from 8.8 million last year.

At the recent CREW Silicon Valley meeting, Sandy Oberle, the principal property manager at SJC, shared the latest news from the airport related to future plans, construction, and concessions.

Q: What are the current priorities for SJC?

A: Priorities are air service development (flying to more places!) and the safety and security of our users. We’ve already had success adding more flights. For example, ANA is now flying its 787 Dreamliner to Tokyo seven days a week, which is up from the initial five weekly flights. Delta recently expanded its service to Seattle, and Alaska Airlines has added Salt Lake City to its growing list of destinations.

To lure new airlines, SJC has an incentive program that includes landing fee and lease waivers. Top-focus destinations are Canada, Europe, and more of Asia. In wooing new airlines and flights, SJC highlights the huge number of technology companies within an 18-mile radius of the airport — 6,600 technology companies, 18 of which are Fortune500 global headquarters.

Q: Concessions have really come a long way at SJC. What’s next?

A: We are maintaining our focus on a healthy mix between local, regional and national tenants. Red Mango (yogurt) and Einstein Bagels recently opened in Terminal A, and Sip Savvy, a wine bar, will soon open there, too.

Q: What is the “best kept secret” at SJC?

A: The Club! For a $35 daily rate, any passenger can hang out at this award-winning common use lounge. You can find it opposite gates 15 and 16.

Q: What else is new and exciting?

A: Two new Global Entry kiosks are now expediting arriving international passengers through U.S. Customs. On the rental car front, SJC is now home to Sixt, which specializes in European car rentals such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Q: Development of the West Side of the Airport is underway. What will this include?

A: Signature Flight Support is building a corporate aviation facility to house and service corporate aircraft for clients such as Google and many other Silicon Valley-based companies. This facility is projected to generate approximately $3 million a year for SJC, as well as 200+ airport/construction jobs. Signature expects to open its facility in time for the 2016 Super Bowl in Santa Clara.

Q: Speaking of football, how have professional sports benefited the airport?

A: The airport is already experiencing increased traffic for 49ers home games, and more is expected with the opening of the new Earthquakes stadium in 2015. Demand for charter flight activity has increased general aviation activity at SJC.

Q: How do you quantify the economic impact of SJC?

A: There is currently a study underway to measure the airport’s economic impact — the first such study conducted in 15 years! We will be looking at jobs creation, as well as direct and indirect business spending.

Q: How is the airport working with ride sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft?

A: Our goal is to get all transportation companies on an equal playing field to ensure the safety and security of our travelers and relative to fees and insurance. To that end, staff is working on getting ride-for-hire companies permitted as soon as possible.

Q: What opportunities exist for airport expansion?

A: SJC currently serves 9 million passengers annually. Terminal B and the Car Rental garage were both designed to be easily expanded as we approach 14 million passengers served each year.

Q: How can businesses stay informed about new developments at the Airport?

A: Follow us on Twitter: @FlySJC and Facebook: FlySanJose