San José Mineta International Airport Launches First-Ever Online Game, 'Ernie’s Runway'

San José, Calif. - San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)'s now-ubiquitous baby chicks -launched in 2024 for the Airport's 75th anniversary celebration-today made a different kind of runway debut. Ernie's Runway is a new digital platform spotlighting SJC's latest services and seasonal campaigns. The interactive web experience builds on the energy of last year's anniversary and the ongoing popularity of Ernie + Friends.

Featuring a staggering one million different outfit combinations, Ernie's Runway allows the public to design and dress up their very own SJC Baby Chicks with travel-themed outfits, accessories and backdrops, then save and share their creations. Ernie's Runway will also showcase SJC's hottest seasonal promotions, starting with the Summer Sweepstakes.

The fashions featured in the game are inspired by some of the exciting new flights, bites and treats coming to SJC this summer: Delta's new nonstop services to Detroit and Las Vegas; Southwest's new nonstop service to Baltimore/Washington and the grand openings of Firehouse Subs and Mike & Niki's Honey.

After perfecting their preferred chick couture, users can download the art, share it with friends, save it as a profile picture and use a designated hashtag for a chance to win travel-related prizes like parking vouchers and Ernie plushies.

The chicks' gamification marks the newest iteration of SJC's endearing mascots. SJC brought these quirky and clucky passengers to life in February 2024 with a comprehensive marketing campaign-including terminal displays and signage, videos, promotional items and a photo contest-to tell the story of its origins and 75 years of the Airport.

Play Ernie's Runway.

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 2024, SJC welcomed nearly 12 million passengers and was rated California's top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium. 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. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com .

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