Media Contact:
SJC Media | 408-392-1199 | sjcmedia@sjc.org

San José, Calif. – Following the wild popularity of its original “Ernie” baby chick plushie, San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) has introduced a second plushie based on “Robbie,” the Airport’s fun-loving, Hawaiian-shirt wearing baby chick character, inspired by Robert Fowler, a Bay Area aviation pioneer after whom the Airport was nearly named. Fowler was the first person to make a west-to-east transcontinental flight in North America in 1913.

The Ernie + Friends baby chick characters were created in 2024 to celebrate the 75^thanniversary of SJC’s inaugural commercial flight in February 1949, which arrived carrying two pilots, seven passengers and 2,550 baby chickens. The chickens deplaned in San José, while the human passengers continued to Los Angeles.

Why Hawaii?

As a simple, stress-free Airport where guests can get from the curb to gate in minutes, SJC is the perfect place to start a tropical vacation. Whether travelers are enjoying island sips and bites at the first Trader Vic’s in an airport, or preparing to board a flight to Kauai, Kona, Maui or Oahu with Alaska, Hawaiian or Southwest Airlines, Robbie’s chill vibe reflects the aloha spirit. He wears an Aloha shirt, because his favorite place to fly is Hawaii.

Fittingly, SJC has partnered with four local Hawaiian-centered businesses to host a coordinated merch giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 7:

• Kai’s Ohana Shave Ice, 738 San Benito St., Hollister, CA
• Pau Hana Shave Ice, 248 Jackson St., San José, CA
• Pono Hawaiian Grill, 120 Union Street, Santa Cruz, CA
• Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice, 3016 W. Jack London Blvd., Livermore, CA

The first 75 visitors at each location will receive a Robbie plushie upon request. Each location will also receive 300 commemorative Robbie-themed stickers as a secondary giveaway. Details can be found at flysanjose.com/aloharobbie.

“This expansion of the Ernie + Friends creative campaign reflects the friendliness and accessibility of San José Mineta International Airport,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “Involving local businesses and bringing the spirit of aloha to customers outside the Airport is an innovative way to engage with our community.”“We’re excited to welcome Robbie to SJC,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Our colorful cast of baby chicks has captured the hearts of thousands of travelers passing through the best midsized airport in the country. This weekend is a great opportunity for community members to take a little piece of San José home with them.”

“SJC travelers and the Bay Area community have wholeheartedly embraced Ernie + Friends,” said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. “We are grateful for the support of local businesses to join SJC in welcoming the Robbie plushie, and we hope he will capture the hearts of our passengers, staff and community as much as his plush flockmate, Ernie.”

When asked for comment on seeing his likeness come to life, Robbie replied, “Cheep.”

SJC’s in-house designer illustrated the small flock of adorable baby chick characters, and the in-house marketing team developed the baby chick’s unique personas and historical connections to the Airport. The main character, “Ernie,” is the namesake of Ernest Renzel, who led the campaign to make a commercial airport in San José a reality. Ernie and his flockmates – Robbie, Jim, Maria, Minnie, Paul and Pat – have become prominent fixtures on SJC’s social media channels as well as throughout the Airport terminals.

The Ernie + Friends campaign won “Best Overall Marketing Program, Medium Airport” at the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) 2024 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communication & Customer Experience awards ceremony. ACI-NA is the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada.

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. According to a recent economic impact study, SJC supports more than 19,000 jobs throughout Santa Clara County and generates approximately $4.3 billion in annual economic activity.

SJC was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium in 2024 and 2025. 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.