Mukesh (Mookie) Patel has been appointed director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), effective March 18. He replaces John Aitken, who will retire after more than three decades with SJC.
Patel also has a long history in aviation. He most recently was the business and finance chief officer at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), where he increased non-airline revenues by nine percent within three-years and facilitated investments to support the airport’s multi-billion-dollar investment plan. He also held executive roles at San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and Denver International Airport (DEN), as well as with Alaska Airlines.
“Mookie has an extensive executive background with three decades of experience and is positioned well to lead the airport in the areas of rebuilding passenger and route traffic, navigating complex airport and airline partnerships, expertly managing resources and new revenues to meet our city’s aviation goals, and maintaining the employee culture while keeping it aligned with our customer service initiatives,” said Jennifer Maguire, San Jose city manager. “Mookie is also committed to maintaining SJC’s recent distinction as the best mid-size airport in the country.”
The director of aviation leads a department with an annual operating budget of $176 million, a 2024-2028 capital improvement program of $614 million, and more than 200 employees.
“I am eager to bring my expertise and spirited leadership to the SJC team,” said Patel. “I am committed to fostering strong partnerships with airlines and contributing to the sustained success of the airport for the benefit of the entire community. I firmly believe travel should be accessible to all. Be it a traveler who can afford a $49 fare or someone who can afford a $449 fare, it is in our best interest to have a wide range of airline partners providing sustainable and easily accessible flights to and from our community and points beyond.”
