8 August 2007

Improvements to parking at Auckland Airport

Improvements to car parking at Auckland Airport take effect from today at the domestic terminal to meet the needs of travellers and those meeting or dropping off passengers.

“These enhancements are in response to research into the needs of travellers and visitors to Auckland Airport. The findings confirmed that a greater range of parking services are required to accommodate both short and longer term parking options,” says Auckland Airport general manager retail Nick Forbes.

Short stay parking

The existing one level covered car park at the domestic terminal has been transformed into a parking area specifically for short stay parking. This is in recognition of security requirements at the terminal, and to alleviate congestion problems caused by motorists waiting on the forecourts.

“The new “Pick-up Drop-off” car park is a safe and convenient place to wait for arriving passengers or to park while farewelling departing ones. This car park will suit the needs of the many motorists who park at the domestic terminal for less than four hours, with low-cost tariffs starting at just $2 for stays up to twenty minutes,” says Mr Forbes. All 280 parking bays in the “Pick-up Drop-off” car park are covered, providing shelter from the weather.

To meet the safety and security imperatives immediately outside the terminal Auckland Airport traffic marshals will strictly enforce the “no parking” and “no waiting” rules on the forecourt and direct motorists to the appropriate parking area.

Long stay parking

A dedicated long-stay car park at the domestic terminal now exists, on the site formerly used for general parking. This car park, on Laurence Stevens Drive is within an easy walk to the domestic terminal and provides an affordable option for long-stay parking. Research has demonstrated a strong interest from travellers for a long-stay parking option at the domestic terminal, similar to the facility already provided near the international terminal.

New tariffs are also in place for long-stay parking at both the international and domestic terminals, introducing capped rates and a daily rate which reduces for passengers who park for seven or more consecutive days. Uncovered long-stay parking at both the domestic and international terminals is now capped at $79 for seven days (previously $91), and then increases by $10 per day for subsequent days (previously $13 per day).

Upgrades

In addition to the new parking options at the domestic terminal, visitors who use the existing car parks will also enjoy benefits from a number of recently completed upgrades. These include an enlarged weather-proof canopy covering the auto-pay machines, improved lighting and footpaths to the Pick-up Drop-off and Covered car parks, plus refurbishments to entry and exit areas to improve visibility and safety.

Parking tariffs

“At Auckland Airport, parking is priced to reflect the customer’s length of stay, the proximity of the park to the terminal and whether the customer chooses covered or uncovered parking. All tariffs are set at competitive levels and offer value compared with alternative methods of transport to and from the airport,” said Mr Forbes.

“Parking tariffs are set carefully, with consideration of the respective needs of different car park users and the range of parking facilities provided,” adds Mr Forbes. “We are very mindful of the perceived value of car parking and tariffs are deliberately set to encourage visitors to use the best car park to suit their needs.”

Auckland Airport regularly benchmarks its car park tariffs against comparable car park facilities in Auckland city, the city fringe areas, and other New Zealand and overseas airports. The first hour of parking at all car parks (with the exception of the premium Business parking facility) is set at $6 – this particular tariff has been held at this price for the third year in succession.

During August, airport staff will be on hand to advise travellers of their best parking option, and changes to parking options will be widely promoted to domestic and international travelers and their families and friends A guide to parking options at the domestic terminal has been produced – a copy is attached to this release.

For further details of all parking options and the full range of tariffs please visit the Auckland Airport website www.auckland-airport.co.nz. The website features an on-line calculator so that all airport parking options are clearly presented based on the length of stay selected.

ENDS

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