San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is full of hidden gems and untold stories. Join me to discover this busy international gateway!

SFO accommodates more than 50 million passengers every year, making it the largest airport in the Bay Area and the second busiest in California. I began my SFO discovery on board a San Francisco Fire Department rescue boat, simulating a water rescue exercise. Then, I rode on the longest runway with SFO Airport Operations, seeing how they inspect the airport runway and handle unexpected situations.

Next, I visited the airport traffic ramp tower, which controls the airplane movements around the gate area. Then, I visited the new baggage belt system in Terminal 1, seeing the efficient system in action. I also visited the airport maintenance division, which maintains many complex vehicles and the runway lighting system. The airport is currently undergoing many construction projects, one involves the complete renovation of United Airlines Terminal 3 West.

An airside walkway now connects all terminals at SFO, passengers can change planes and connect seamlessly. For aviation lovers, there is a new observation area for plane viewing above Terminal 2. The SFO Airport museum at the International terminal Concourse A houses many aviation collectibles and has some incredible aviation history on display.

Last, I experienced an electric-powered push-back tug of United Airlines. The team demonstrated how to operate the energy-efficient vehicle to push back a B787.