Google founders' private air terminal cleared for takeoff

[Jesus Malverde]

Source: CNBC

It's not uncommon for Silicon Valley tech executives to use private jets, but Google's top brass are climbing to a whole new altitude.

Google founders Larry Page, Sergey Brin and Eric Schmidt have won approval to build a private terminal at Mineta San Jose International Airport, and CNBC has learned that construction on the $82 million facility will start in February. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

Signature Flight Support, a Florida-based company that manages corporate aircraft, will develop and operate the 29-acre terminal in partnership with Blue City Holdings, which handles the personal aircraft of Google's principals.

Signature, which operates in 115 airports, said Google's terminal is its biggest project so far. The jet center will have a 270,000-square-foot hangar—a major amount of space for a private entity within a commercial airport.

Read more: http://www.cnbc.com/id/101338958

[KamaAina]

1. Meanwhile, SJC is having trouble filling its two brand new terminals

which were completed right when the downturn hit, and have had trouble recovering because many airlines want to compete with startup Virgin America at nearby SFO.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

3. An FBO isn't really similar in form or function

It provides parking, maintenance and support services. You can't just pull up to a gate at the airport and ask the guy in an orange United vest to refuel, drain the waste tank and check your engines.

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

2. It's an FBO and a hangar, so what?

Neither sinister, nor interesting.

[Auggie]

4. There's an allegation the city did not comply with California environmental rules

That's sinister, if true

"Atlantic Aviation, which failed in its bid for the development, filed a legal action against San Jose in May. It alleges that the city did not comply with California environmental rules in approving the Blue City-Signature facility."

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

5. So says the losing bidder...