Airport car parks are huge business, with major airport hubs seeing car parking producing around $80 million to $100 million of revenue each year.
Recent results from the 2012 ACI Airport Economics survey shows that car parking now accounts for around 7% of global airport revenues and is the second biggest source of non-aviation related revenue (equal with real estate) after retail. In 2010, Denver International Airport (DIA), for example, made $118 million in revenue from car parking and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) saw its car parking revenues exceed $97 million.
An article published in Airport World examines what some airports are doing to maximise their revenues.
- Variable rates based on the location of the car park, the level of service provided, covered parking vs open air parking, and VIP or valet parking.
- Ensuring customer service is at the forefront of their business, making the experience as stress-free as possible. This can include the investment in wayfinding services, advance reservation programs and even loyalty-style programs for business passengers and frequent flyers.
- Parking innovation through their infrastructure and services, including online booking systems, and car finding applications on screens and kiosks directing them back to their parked vehicle.
- Pricing mechanisms such as discounted multi-day packages, or internet coupon offers.
- Upselling additional services, including valet services, oil change, car wash or general car inspection.
- A wide range of payment options including ticketless and credit card payment enabling greater efficiencies for customers and the airport.