News Article | 8/7/2010

Million Air terminal at San Bernardino International Airport opens

In order to get to Stater Bros.’ headquarters, officials from the grocer’s suppliers such as Coca-Cola, Pepsi and ConAgra fly into the new Million Air terminal at San Bernardino International Airport.

 

“Every business should advise their suppliers that we have the finest corporate airport in America,” Stater Bros. CEO Jack Brown said Friday evening at a grand opening for the terminal.

 

It’s one of 30 Million Air terminals that cater to corporate aviation departments and general-aviation flyers, offering lounges and high-end amenities.

 

Brown was among many local business owners and elected officials who gathered at the event. Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, called the terminal “phenomenal” and said it would be an economic driver for the region.

 

Once corporate jets begin flying in, business opportunities shouldn’t be far behind, he said. “Indeed, the country will be looking at us in a very special way,” he said.

 

Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey said the company is going to highlight the San Bernardino terminal at other airports and in the company’s magazine.

 

“We’re pollinating our own customers,” he said.

 

It cost Million Air San Bernardino, a franchisee of Houston-based Million Air Interlink, about $20 million to build the two-story terminal and hangar space for corporate jets and charters, and took three years to build.

 

“This will be the gateway to Inland Southern California,” said San Bernardino Mayor Pat Morris, a leader of the Inland Valley Development Agency and San Bernardino International Airport Authority.

 

Million Air will earn money from fuel sales, with a portion of those sales going to the San Bernardino International Airport Authority, and from any rent paid by businesses leasing hangar space or by individuals storing their planes.

 

After exiting from a jet, private plane or charter, passengers and pilots can relax in a movie theater with several plush leather chairs that vibrate along with the action on a large flat-screen television. There’s also a conference room for corporate board meetings and a pilot’s lounge with televisions, a quiet room and computers.