Plans are underway for more car parking space at the Hawke’s Bay Airport terminal to service increasing passenger demand.
New space has opened up where the old rental car valet once stood and the Airport is undertaking a customer engagement survey on carparking needs.
An existing hangar has been moved onto the Hawke’s Bay Airport Business Park and turned into a new rental car valet facility, doubling space and capacity.
The airport’s Aeronautical and Infrastructure Manager Olivia Pierre says the project was a great example of upgrading and adding value to a surplus hangar.
It’s a vast improvement on the old facilities, with the two largest rental car companies working from the facilities and a third rental car company storing their rental cars in the complex. The larger companies are able to service up to 80 cars a day.
Hertz Rental Hawke’s Bay managing director Phil Cain says the fit for purpose building has made a big difference to turnaround of vehicles and the greater out put means no one has to wait for a clean car.
“Car rental hire is extremely competitive with five companies working from the airport, so having the best facilities to store and clean cars for a more seamless service improves business”, he says.
AB Group (Avis Budget) manager Trish Goddard says it’s great to be working in the new modern facilities, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for one of our staff to clean the car inside and out.
The functional and practical solution was architecturally designed and project managed by Chris Ainsworth from Paris Magdalinos Architects, with Jody Dallas from Alexander Construction managing the building aspect of the project.
The complex offers three office spaces, two wash and dry bays, two storages and working spaces, one bay for a large vehicle, a kitchenette and restroom along with 196 sealed car parks. AB Group, Hertz, Thrifty and Hawke’s Bay Airport all use the new facilities.
The old car valet facility, which had 73 carparks, two wash bays and two dry bays has been demolished to create space for additional car parks to support the growth in passengers using the terminal.
Ms Pierre says as the Airport plans to make changes to its terminal car parks, we are actively engaging with customers to understand their needs and plan for our future growth.