Airport Parking News

FastPark & Relax is offering discounted offsite airport parking to all Veterans, Armed Forces Personnel and Reservists. The discount kicks off Memorial Day weekend, Friday May 25 and lasts through Friday June 29. To qualify, individuals must present proof of military service to FastPark & Relax cashiers at the time of check out, when a preferred rate will be applied. At George Bush International the cost is $3.50 (tax excluded) per day, for qualified individuals.

"There are more than 20 million veterans in the United States," said Melanie Chavez, FastPark & Relax spokesperson. "Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to extend a thank you to the men and women who served and currently serve our armed forces."

In addition to discounts for armed force members, all customers receive a full gamut of superior services and lower prices over onsite airport parking. The company provides customer pick up at assigned parking spot, luggage assistance and complimentary newspaper and bottled water. For travelers needing mechanical help, FastPark & Relax provides jump starts, tire repair and help with lock-outs.

Additional advantages are available to Relax for Rewards Parker Program members. This service is designed to reward frequent travelers with free parking and assist in expediting entry and exit of their facility. Each member is guaranteed the lowest daily parking rate (without having to produce a coupon) as well as guaranteed a parking space, with valet services in the event a lot is full. Members accrue points for each paid day of parking; points post to accounts automatically and can be viewed on-line. These points are redeemed as follows: 8 points = 1 free day; 40 points = 1 free stay (7 consecutive days). Membership information is available on the company's website.

FastPark & Relax is located at 3100 Greens Road, Houston. For more information travelers may or call a local FastPark & Relax representative at (281) 442-5600.

Airport Fast Park, FastPark & Relax and Park Place are business units of Fast Park, headquartered in Cincinnati. The company operates offsite airport parking facilities in eight markets throughout the country. Airport Fast Park facilities are located in Albuquerque, NM, Austin, Tex., Baltimore, Cincinnati, Memphis, Tenn. and Miami. In Cleveland, the company operates both Airport Fast Park and Park Place, and in Houston lots are branded as FastPark & Relax. The self-serve parking service is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week, with instant shuttle service transporting customers to their specific terminal.

Source: Airport Fast Park

Cape Town - About 600 more airport parking bays will be made available at Cape Town International Airport for use by the public.

In 2006 the airport's first multi-storey parkade (MSP) came on stream increasing the airport parking capacity by an additional 2 000 bays.

While this temporarily alleviated the strain on parking capacity, the consistent increase in passenger numbers has resulted in the airport parking once again coming under significant pressure.

With work on the second multi-storey parkade set to begin in July this year, the airport's parking capacity will be further increased by at least 2 000 more bays once the construction project is completed.

In the interim, to limit the inconvenience of the lack of airport parking capacity, staff parking, used by all staff working at the airport, has been relocated from the current central parking to a remote site.

This move has freed approximately 600 airport parking bays for use by the public.

"Given the rate at which the increase in demand for airport parking continues to grow, we decided to enable a remote site for airport staff and free up as much parking as possible for visitors to the airport.

"Although a second multi-storey parkade will soon come on stream, we're certain that these additional bays will be welcomed by our airport parking users", says Deidre Hendricks, Communications Manager, Airports Company South Africa: Cape Town International Airport.

Hendricks went on to say that airport staff was relocated in the beginning of May, allowing contractors to prepare the site for the public.

"The additional airport parking will certainly bring some relief", she said. Meanwhile, the airport is abuzz with construction activity as the R1.3bn airport transformation continues.

Work on the Central Terminal Building is well under way and the work on the new elevated road, similar to that of OR Tambo International Airport, will begin shortly.

"Visitors to the airport would have noticed that large areas have already been hoarded off across the airport, clearly showing off the flurry of construction activity under way."

But, although there is some inconvenience, the airport's transformation is for the benefit of all its users.

"These additional airport parking bays are certainly good news and we're positive it will improve the airport experience", says Hendricks.

Airport parking users are reminded to make sure that they arrive at the airport early in order to allow themselves with sufficient time to park, check-in and move through security.

Source: Wheels 24

Illegally parked cars currently causing traffic congestion at OR Tambo International will be towed away, the Airports Company SA (Acsa) and Ekurhuleni metro police said on Wednesday.

Acsa's landside manager Kesavan Naicker said illegally parked cars at various parking lots and curb sides were causing a huge amount of frustration to visitors.

Acsa had handed a tow truck to metro police to tow away all illegally parked cars as from the beginning of June.

"Acsa is committed to curbing the increasing scourge of traffic congestion within the airport precinct, and by making a dedicated tow truck vehicle available...I do believe that we can make a difference."

Naicker said four tow trucks would be operating by the end of the year.

Metro police would be authorised to tow all illegally parked vehicles, within the airport precinct and would only be released to the owners on payment of the applicable fees.

In April, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Acsa and the airport.

The agreement made provision for the metro police precinct at OR Tambo to operate 24 hours a day every day of the week.

Chief of metro police, Robert McBride welcomed the new working relationship with Acsa.

"The EMPD is pleased to be working with a partner that is as committed as Acsa. In making a tow truck available to us on a 24-hour basis, exclusively for use at OR Tambo, we are confident that illegal parking at the airport will soon be a thing of the past."

Source: Wheels 24

www.Parctel.com: Rogue companies which issue parking tickets on private land will be driven out of the market thanks to an initiative set to be enforced later this year. From October 2007, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will release vehicle registration information only to those companies which are members of an Accredited Trade Association.

The British Parking Association (BPA), which is to become the first Accredited Trade Association, said on the 18th April 2007 at Parkex, Europe’s largest parking industry fair, that the initiative will prevent motorists receiving high-priced, unregulated tickets.

As it has the responsibility of being the only parking organisation with official DVLA accreditation, the British Parking Association has also announced that it will be launching its own Approved Operator Scheme, backed by a Code of Practice for Parking Enforcement on Private Land and Unregulated Car Parks. Members that do not comply with the terms of this Code (see notes for terms) could have their British Parking Association membership initially suspended, and possibly terminated (dependent on individual circumstances of complaint).

Transport Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman said: “This initiative will help us clamp down on unscrupulous people who abuse the system to make money out of innocent drivers. I fully support the Approved Operator Scheme and welcome the fact that the British Parking Association is DVLA’s first Accredited Trade Association.”

Part 2 of the Code, introduced today, extends the scope of the successful ‘wheel-clampers’ Code introduced at Parkex in 2006 and aims to standardise the industry’s approach to ticketing on private land and introduce a level of fairness for the consumer. Under the Code guidelines, standard charges for a parking ticket issued on private land should not exceed £75, and the maximum charge shall not exceed £150. Early payment discounts are recommended for a period of 7-14 days and all details of charges should be included on signage.

DVLA’s External and Corporate Services Director Richard Kitchen said: “This is a positive step in meeting Dr Ladyman's call for a more robust system and I am pleased to report that the BPA is the first organisation to receive Accredited Trade Association status.”

Keith Banbury, Chief Executive of the British Parking Association, said: “This collaboration is a long time coming. Now that we have launched the Code and announced our Approved Operator Scheme, the public can look forward to a fairer, more transparent and regulated regime for parking on private land. There are companies operating in ways that are unacceptable, and the public is both confused and concerned. Our aim in extending our regulatory role in the parking industry is to reward good practice and drive out bad, leaving only legitimate companies undertaking fair and proper enforcement.“

Compliance with the Code will be monitored by the BPA. Members will be required to submit evidence of compliance annually, highlighting any issues and identifying proposed solutions. A dedicated compliance manager will conduct regular and random testing via on-site inspections to ensure that the Code’s principles are being maintained. Where members’ operations are found wanting, remedial action will be a requirement; where this does not happen and failure to comply with the Code persists, a member shall be suspended, and possibly expelled from the BPA. The compliance management team will also investigate complaints about alleged breaches of the Code by its members. The British Parking Association will not, however, be adjudicating in individual parking disputes; these are covered by the Code’s requirement for Approved Operators’ to have an effective Disputes Management procedure.

The new Code was drawn up by the BPA’s Director of Technical Services with support from the British Parking Association Off-Street Enforcement Special Interest Group.

Source: British Parking Association - BPA

www.Parctel.com: The ultra modern building, designed by architects Wilkinson Eyre, features the extensive use of aluminium, steel, glass, concrete and zinc. The six floor car park was one of the winners in the North-West regional awards. A special RIBA plaque will be displayed at the car park, which now goes forward to the national awards.

Q-Park worked closely with the architects and the developers Grosvenor to ensure that the car park complies with Q-Park's stringent design and quality criteria and forms a welcoming and convenient entrance to one of Europe’s most vibrant and innovative retail and leisure centres.

One of the RIBA judges said in the citation: “The design of this scheme successfully deals with the problem which multi-storey car parks so often face, of how such a building use can make an enjoyable and meaningful part of the urban fabric in which it stands.

“Although this is a tough building type and the materials necessarily harsh, the jury felt this was a powerful contribution to the rapidly growing urban context in which it stands, well conceived and carefully positioned. A building worthy of an award.”

Liver Street is the first of three Q-Park car parks which will serve the new Liverpool One development - the UK’s largest city centre regeneration scheme. The other two car parks: Strand Street, a 1,850 space four-level underground car park, and Gradwell Street, a 553-space multi-storey, are scheduled to open in 2008 - Liverpool’s European City of Culture year.

www.Carpark-Fly.com: Central Parking Corporation (NYSE:CPC) today announced the completion of its previously announced merger with an affiliate of Kohlberg & Company, LLC, Lubert-Adler Partners, L.P., and Chrysalis Capital Partners, L.P.

The shareholders of Central Parking voted to approve the proposed merger agreement that the company entered into on February 20, 2007 at a special meeting held on May 21, 2007. Holders of approximately 28.4 million shares of Central Parking voted in favor of approving the merger agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, representing approximately 88% of Central Parking's total outstanding voting shares and over 99% of the total votes cast. As a result of the transaction, each issued and outstanding share of Central Parking common stock was cancelled and converted automatically into the right to receive $22.53 in cash, without interest. Effective as of today, Central Parking's stock will no longer be listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange and trading will be suspended prior to market open Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Shareholders of Central Parking who have stock certificates in their possession will receive instructions by mail from Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc., the paying agent, concerning how to forward their certificates for payment. Shareholders who hold shares through a bank or broker will not have to take any action to have their shares converted into cash as such conversions will be handled by the bank or broker.

Emanuel J. Eads, Central Parking's president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased with the overwhelming endorsement of this transaction by our shareholders. We look forward to working with our new owners and our management team to continue to provide the highest levels of customer service in the industry."

Central Parking Corporation, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is a leading provider of parking and transportation-related services. As of March 31, 2007, the Company operated approximately 3,000 parking facilities containing approximately 1.4 million spaces at locations in 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Spain, Switzerland and Greece.

GMR Infrastructure has awarded the contract for managing the automated parking management system at Hyderabad Airport to Malaysia-based Tenaga Group.

GMR, the promoter of new international airport at Hyderabad, has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange that it has awarded the contract through its subsidiary GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL) to Tenaga Parking (India) Pvt Ltd, a part of the Tenaga Group, for a period of three years.

The period of the contract can be extended further by mutual agreement, it said.

The main objectives of the parking management systems would be to provide a quality parking service and facility to customers, facilitate quick entry and exit from the parking points and reduce dwell time and build MIS systems to support future planning and development.

Tenaga Parking would perform, implement and execute the management services for efficient and customer-friendly management of the parking facility, it said.

Besides, GHIAL would develop the car parking facility with necessary equipment, technology including surfacing of entire car park area, internal roads, and provision of utilities like electricity and water.

Source: Parking Network

Construction is set to begin next month on a new parking lot for travelers at the Nashville International Airport.

The Metro Nashville Airport Authority today approved a $2.2 million construction project to build an additional valet parking lot with 1,200 spaces. The project is expected to be done by October.

Design director Robert Ramsey, said an additional lot is needed almost immediately to meet parking needs at the airport. An average of 400,000 passengers board planes at Nashville International Airport each month, according to airport officials.

There are currently 11,675 parking spaces available.

Source: KATE HOWARD, Tennessean

One of the great frustrations of many travelers flying from Philadelphia International Airport is finding a place to park a car. Especially at school-vacation time, both the economy lot and daily-fee garages can be full, forcing the panicked driver to roam the roads around the airport looking for a private lot. Leaving the car at home and using public transportation is an option, but isn't practical for most people.

The best way we've found to deal with the problem is to use one of more than a dozen off-airport lots that surround PHL, on Route 291 (Industrial Highway) and on Bartram, Essington, Island and Passyunk avenues. These privately operated lots always seem to have space available, and they have the great advantage of taking advance reservations. Unlike PHL's on-airport lots and garages, the off-sites can be booked and the fees paid in advance on the Web using a credit card.

Rates for off-airport lots are competitive with the $9 a day in PHL's economy lot. The daily fee can range from about $6.50 to $15 a day, but if you make a reservation online, there's usually a one-time service fee of $5.

The most comprehensive airport parking Web site we've found is - what else - www.airportparkingreservations.com. Another one is www.parkrideflyusa.com. They have long lists of U.S. and Canadian airports that are part of their networks. When you do a Google search for "airport parking reservations," you will find those two, and other sites with different addresses that link to the first.

You can also find Web sites for individual parking-lot operators at PHL and elsewhere - if you know their names. We have been unsuccessful in navigating to airport-parking sites from the larger online travel sites, including Expedia and Orbitz. But that may just be our lack of time and patience to keep drilling until we find them.

Tom Lombardi, the Suffield, Conn., entrepreneur who runs airportparkingreservations.com, says his site has 200 parking lots at 65 airports in its database, including eight near PHL. Business has boomed at PHL since Southwest started three years ago and parking became tighter. Travelers tend to use off-airport lots regularly after one experience of "going to the economy lot, and it's full, and the sweat starts," Lombardi says.

The off-airport lots may be a little farther from the PHL terminals than the airport economy lot, including some that are a mile or two away. But they have another advantage: service.

Some parking operators have valet service, driving you back and forth in your own car. Most have shuttle buses that, in our experience, pull up behind your car, and not to a bus stop a hundred yards away, within a few minutes of your arrival.

Every time we've used one of the lots and have had more than one bag, the shuttle-bus driver has hopped off and helped us. We always carry $1 bills for tips to encourage the practice.

Source: Tom Belden, Inquirer Staff Writer

Maybe you’ve been that guy creeping past the airport parking lot entrance, half-hoping to spot an empty parking space that the red “Full” sign was lying about.

Maybe you were the one clutching the steering wheel while speeding back to the airport shuttle parking lot on Orchard Street, checking the car stereo clock every minute and making a mental calculation: shuttle wait time plus shuttle ride plus baggage check plus security screening, carry the two, subtracted from departure time …

Chances are, you weren’t the only one. The shuttle lot at Orchard Street and Victory Road averages from 125 to 200 overnight parkers every day, with more on holidays and spring break, according to Trena Martin, manager of AMPCO Parking, which manages the Boise Airport parking lots. The numbers are growing, because layovers at the Boise Airport have increased 10 to 12 percent per year, she said.
While a few people park in that lot because they like to use the shuttle, the overwhelming majority are travelers who arrived at the airport, found the long-term parking lots full and were forced to use the off-site parking and shuttle service, she said.

A shuttle with room for 14 passengers runs every 15 minutes, and about twice a week the service has to run two shuttles at once to keep up with high passenger volume.

Martin said more people will have to park off-site soon when the airport repaints the stripes on one of its surface lots. AMPCO has plans to pave new areas at the shuttle lot to add parking, she said.
The city of Boise wanted to build another parking garage at the airport, but hit a legal snag. In the 2006 case Frazier vs. City of Boise, the Idaho Supreme Court denied the city’s request to build a new parking garage at the Boise Airport without approval of a supermajority of voters.

The Idaho Constitution states cities and counties can’t go into debt without a vote except for “ordinary and necessary” expenses. In their majority opinion, the justices determined that the parking garage was not necessary because it was not an emergency – drivers could continue to use the shuttle lot, as they had been doing.

The Association of Idaho Cities asked this year’s Legislature to form a task force to study how the Frazier decision would affect infrastructure funding for cities and counties, but according to Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Ray Stark, the proposal never got a hearing. Senate President Pro Tem Robert Geddes and Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney still have the opportunity to appoint a task force at a Legislative Council meeting May 17.

Source: Lora Volkert of Idaho Business Review

www.Carpark-Fly.com: Central Parking Corporation (NYSE:CPC) today announced that operating earnings before property-related gains and losses for its second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007, increased to $11.0 million compared with $5.2 million in the second quarter of the previous fiscal year. Total revenues for the second fiscal quarter were approximately $280 million compared with $270 million in the second quarter of 2006. Excluding reimbursed management expenses, revenues in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 were $158 million compared with $157 million in the prior year period.

Earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 increased to $1.3 million from breakeven in the year-earlier period. The Company reported net earnings of $1.0 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with net earnings of $2.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the year earlier period. Earnings from continuing operations and net earnings include property-related gains and losses (including impairments) and merger-related expenses. Pre-tax property-related losses totaled $0.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 compared with losses of $1.2 million in the second quarter of last year. Expenses relating to the pending merger of the Company recorded in the second quarter of fiscal 2007 totaled $5.1 million.

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The off-airport parking industry normally attracts little attention from venture capitalists or business journalists. What's sexy, after all, about running vast garages perfumed by jet fuel? Plenty, if you're Martin Nesbitt, founder and CEO of the Parking Spot (theparkingspot.com).

The Chicago-based company is best known for its whimsical yellow-and-black-spotted shuttle buses and employee uniforms. Customer perks include free newspapers, bottled water and chocolate chip cookies.

Last fall the Parking Spot introduced a premium service called On-Airport Valet parking at the Dallas/Fort Worth airport. As if in a dream, a Parking Spot valet meets you and your vehicle in front of the terminal, whisks your car away, washes it and fills the tank while you're gone, and greets you curbside with keys in hand upon your return. Cost: About $20 a day, plus gas.

"It's parking, but it's fun," says Nesbitt, 44, a father of four who enjoys pickup basketball and counts Illinois Senator Barack Obama among his close friends.

Nesbitt founded the Parking Spot in 1997. His first backer was Penny Pritzker, a member of the wealthy Chicago clan that owns the Hyatt hotel chain. The Pritzker family put in $50 million: Today Penny is the company's chairman, and the Pritzkers are its largest shareholder.

To be sure, Nesbitt didn't invent airport valet parking. Park 'N Fly (pnf.com), based in Atlanta, has been shuttling air travelers in style since 1967. Nor is Nesbitt's company, with 30,000 parking spaces and more than $70 million in annual revenues, the biggest. That honor goes to PCAA (fasttrack.com), based in Downey, Calif., which boasts 45,000 spaces nationwide and grossed $76 million last year.

But Nesbitt's Parking Spot is the fastest-growing and most profitable firm in its field, according to Matthew Litfin, a research principal with Chicago investment firm William Blair & Co. Its edge? Technology that enhances service. "They have remade the parking industry," says Debbie Neel, general manager of Off-Airport Properties for Southwest Airlines (Charts, Fortune 500), which uses the Parking Spot to shuttle its crews.

Through digital video recorders and the Internet, Parking Spot's Chicago headquarters monitors cashiers to make sure they're treating customers right at its 16 facilities around ten U.S. airports. Those spotted yellow vans carry cameras and gyroscopes that alert management when a driver brakes too hard or jackrabbits a start. One employee, a grad student in aeronautical engineering, developed a wireless software application that figures out the most efficient distribution of cars in each parking lot, which speeds up the time it takes to park and fly.

Next? Nesbitt plans to expand to 40 locations mainly through acquisitions. "This industry started with someone on a lot with a shoebox and a handful of tickets," says Norm Ennis, a 50-year industry vet and an independent consultant based in Houston. "Outfits such as the Parking Spot are the next generation, the evolution of the business."

Source: By Alessandra Bianchi, FSB Magazine

www.Parctel.com: The Hawaii Department of Transportation reopened 300 stalls on the top floor of the interisland parking garage at Honolulu International Airport on Tuesday.

The top floor had been closed since January for resurfacing and repair work to prevent such things as corrosion and water seeping through to lower levels.

The project cost $999,000.

Last week, the D.O.T. announced plans to build a new 1,800-stall, eight-story parking garage on the site of the existing surface lot between the international and interisland parking structures. Dick Pacific was selected as the contractor for the $39.2 million project with RIM Architects and Walker Parking Consultants working on the design.

www.Parctel.com: Skyhub to deliver ‘faster security, increased capacity and better customer service’

* One departure hub open to all passengers
* New purpose built security screening area
* Wider choice of shops, bars and restaurants
* Delivering a better customer service today and into the future

A multi-million pound plan to expand Glasgow Airport – the biggest single investment by airport operator BAA Glasgow for a generation – is about to get underway.

The £30 million project – known as skyhub – aims to reduce security waiting times, increase capacity in the terminal and offer passengers a wider choice of shops, bars and restaurants.

Glasgow SkyHub

Work will start later this month on the 4,000sq metre skyhub development, which is expected to take 18 months to complete.

The two storey development will provide additional seating capacity on the ground floor, as well as new retail and catering facilities, and a new purpose built security search area on the first floor, through which all departing passengers will pass.

This will replace the existing three security zones (international, domestic and east pier) which will later be converted for use as retail, lounge and other passenger facilities.

The new search area will have capacity for up to 14 x-ray machines, four more than at present.

The development will also include a flagship World Duty Free store open to all departing passengers.

Gordon Dewar, managing director of Glasgow Airport said: “This expansion will allow us to concentrate our security search areas in one location, freeing up a huge amount of additional capacity within the terminal. This is particularly important during the busy summer months when Glasgow Airport can expect to handle over one million passengers in a single month.

“Security, for any airport, is of paramount importance and as passenger numbers increase, it’s important that we are able to screen passengers quickly and safely. We have already announced a major investment in additional staff and x-ray technology. skyhub takes that investment a step further and will give us the flexibility and the extra capacity that we need to provide a fast, efficient security screening service.

“Our aim, ultimately, will be to reduce the amount of time passengers wait in security lines and, in the process, deliver a better customer experience for our growing number of passengers.”

Glasgow Airport’s domestic and international search areas have recently been refurbished - and rebranded skyscreen - as part of a trial for the planned single search area.

Customer service director Derek Provan said: “We see skyscreen as the launch pad for a new type of airport security at Glasgow. The security and safety of our passengers is something we take extremely seriously, but airport security doesn’t have to be an ordeal. skyscreen is designed to create a more relaxing security environment that puts passengers at ease.”

The new layout will also bring retail benefits for passengers. Under BAA’s plans, the existing airside/landside boundary will switch, so that most of the shops currently landside (before security) will be located airside (beyond security). Once through security, passengers can shop, eat and relax anywhere in the terminal.

“Glasgow is quite unusual in that the majority of shops are currently landside. By switching the boundary, and moving the majority of our retail offer airside, it means passengers will enjoy bigger savings and more choice,” explained Mr Provan. “Once through security, passengers will have access to the full range of bars, restaurants and lounges on offer at Glasgow Airport.”

Mr Dewar added: “skyhub is the biggest single investment by BAA in Glasgow Airport for a generation and underlines BAA’s long term commitment to the airport. It is an exciting, ambitious project which puts the interests of passengers first. We want to make the journey through Glasgow Airport as safe, smooth and enjoyable as we can for all our passengers, delivering better service not just for today, but for the next generation of travellers. skyhub is the new way to travel at Glasgow Airport, our gateway to the future.”

www.Parctel.com: Business and leisure travellers flying to and from the North West are the first to benefit from fast-transit scheduled services introduced by Jetstream Express.

Business and leisure travel between regional airports got quicker and easier today, with the launch of the fast-transit service Jetstream Express.

Offering direct connections between Blackpool International Airport and Southampton, Aberdeen and Belfast City, Jetstream Express is promising to cut the time spent commuting.

Ten flights per week will operate between Blackpool and Belfast from 8th May 2007. And with business in mind, flight times have been carefully selected ­ the 7.30am service from Blackpool will get commuters into Belfast City at 8.20am, in good time for a 9am start.

The Blackpool to Aberdeen service will start on 4th June with five flights each week, and the Blackpool to Southampton shuttle opens for business on 2nd July.

John Hardcastle, Director of Jetstream Express said: "Jetstream Express is all about speed and efficiency. We've chosen our routes carefully so that passengers can be sure of the fastest 'kerb to gate' times possible. We're focussed on getting them out of their cars, through the airport and into the air as quickly and comfortably as possible. And passengers will benefit from free in-flight hospitality and access to the Blackpool International executive lounge too."

The service is being operated by charter experts Jetstream Executive Travel, a company that owns and operates a fleet of 19-seater modern, spacious Jetstream 31 aircraft. According to John Hardcastle, it's all part of the plan: "We're using aircraft that are ideally suited to short-haul routes, and insist on our own crews ­ their commitment is essential for us to achieve fast turn-around times and the highest standards of passenger service."

Gareth Kennedy, Blackpool International Airport's Director of Business Development, said: "Jetstream Express prides itself on its ability to deliver first class personal service at a competitive price every time, so we are delighted to welcome them on board at Blackpool International.

"Although we anticipate that the majority of passengers on these routes will fly for business reasons, we also expect that leisure passengers will take advantage of the services to visit Blackpool and the surrounding areas or fly from the North West to these three great cities for a short break or longer holiday."

www.Parctel.com: Belfast International Airport launched a new long-haul destination today with a new flyglobespan transatlantic flight from the airport.

The web-based airline launched a weekly flight to Toronto's Hamilton International Airport - part of a massive UK-wide programme to Canada from 13 UK and Irish airports.

The airline is already well known to Belfast travellers- having launched a service to Orlando Sanford last year - which is proving very popular.

Chairman Tom Dalrymple is delighted at this expansion of his Belfast programme, as he is keen to extend the company's long-haul routes.

"The key factors of load factor and fuel price are even more important on these longer routes, and therefore the flyglobespan model that has worked so well on short-haul routes fits well into the long-haul market, delivering low seat prices.

"We have a lean, very efficient organisation that allows us to offer extremely competitive fares in all our different classes and price is still the key driver.

The airline's parent company, the Globespan Group has 30 years experience of offering Canadian holidays and Dalrymple sees flyglobespan's 2007 expansion there as an natural extension of their expertise.

John Doran, managing director at Belfast International Airport said:
"We are delighted to welcome another transatlantic destination to our expanding route network and the second with FlyGlobespan within the last six months. With the strong links between Northern Ireland and the Toronto region we are confident that this will be a popular route for Canadian visitors to Northern Ireland as well as local travellers heading to the Toronto region."

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said "NITB welcomes today's announcement as more good news for tourism. The increase in direct international flights and the resulting improved access should help to ensure that 2007 is another successful year for NI tourism. Flyglobespan's transatlantic flights from Belfast International will provide even better opportunities to target Canadian holidaymakers and business tourists."

Most of the flyglobespan transatlantic routes offer three levels of service on board from Economy to Business Class.

Prices to Toronto start from £99 including taxes.

As with all flyglobespan flights, passengers can book flight only or chose to add on transfers and/or accommodation. All flight, holiday, & city break details are available on www.flyglobespan.com

www.Parctel.com: Nantes with Aer Arann from £49 one way!

Aer Arann, one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Europe, has delighted rugby fans by launching a new route from Bristol to Nantes in advance of the World Cup later this year.

The flights, which started on Saturday 28th April, operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays with one way prices including tax from just £49. Flights are available to book online now at www.aerarann.com.

Olly Morgan, Gloucester Rugby Club’s full back and England Rugby Union team member marked the start of the flights from Bristol International with representatives from Aer Arann and the airport. The new service provides a great opportunity for rugby fans across the South West and Wales to attend matches and enjoy the atmosphere in the city when the World Cup kicks off in France in September.

Nantes also offers a fantastic choice of things to do and is a perfect leisure break destination for the summer. Historical sites such as the The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany which dates from the 15th century, are a must see alongside the range of museums and cultural tours. Water-sports on the seven waterways which flow through the city are also a great option and include canoe-kayaking, sailing, rowing and cruising.

For further information and to book flights go to www.aerarann.com. Flights start at just £49 one way including taxes.

www.Parctel.com: More than 1,000 passengers have pre-booked seats on the new intra-Wales air service which will link the North and South of the country from today.

Highland Airways Commercial Director Basil O'Fee said: "Many people have already changed the way they think about their business and leisure journeys between these two diagonally opposite ends of Wales. Such a level of advance booking is very encouraging and supports the view that the service reflects the needs of the Welsh population."

Going against predictions from some quarters that the service would only be used by Government, the airline reports a wide cross-section of people have already decided to switch from cars to the twice-daily flights. While fares are capped at £50 including taxes/charges, the airline's decision to offer advance booking bargains from £15 one-way is considered to be a major factor in its early success.

The route opens up new business opportunities such as recent interest from a conference group in combining the service with the facilities of a local hotel in Anglesey. "This is exactly the sort of stimulated usage that all connected with the service are hoping for," commented Mr. O'Fee.

Highland Airways was selected by the Welsh Assembly Government to provide the service with a British-built 19-seat Bae Jetstream 31 turbo-prop pressurised aircraft. The flight from Anglesey will take less than one hour while Cardiff Airport is 25 minutes from the centre of the capital by road or rail. It has been estimated that 150 cars a day are currently travelling between the two regions with an unpredictable journey time in excess of four hours each way.

Said Mr. O'Fee: "Most travellers are expected to book online. The highlandairways.co.uk website has a useful Low Fare Finder feature, which permits browsers an overview of a month's pricing at one glance. The first flight was fully booked quite quickly, as many who have lobbied or yearned for this sort of development over the years wanted to be among the first to fly."

For those without access to a computer, bookings can also be made by calling 0870 777 0915 or through a local travel agent.

The flight will have cabin crew to increase the comfort of travellers, and both they and flight crew will be based at the Cardiff end. The service does not operate at the weekends, and the aircraft will therefore be available for private charter.

The company operates five of the sophisticated Jetstream 31s at present and has experience of passenger services in both Scotland and England. Highland Airways was established in 1991 and is based in Inverness.

www.Parctel.com: Flybe will start operating its first direct flights between Exeter and Rennes today (Tuesday 8th May).The two cities were twinned over 50 years ago and to celebrate the airline is flying two passengers to the French airport and two passengers to Devon on the inaugural flights.

There will be a welcoming reception at both Exeter International Airport and RennesAirport with tea and a celebratory cake available for the twinning committee and passengers. In Exeter Isabelle Guillaume-Tariel and Chantal Tiriault from the Rennes Twinning Association will be in the first flight arriving at 15:50 and Brenda Kite will represent Exeter.

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is packed with bars, bistros and bookshops.The town has a grand Neo-classical layout featuring some outstanding architecture and is well known for its music festivals.

Spokesman for Exeter International Airport, Stephen Ayres said, "This is a great day, not just for the twinning groups, but for the all those of the South West who would like to experience a wonderful part of France.We hope that the flights, which are operating three times a week, will prove very popular."

www.Parctel.com: Glasgow Prestwick Airport’s largest tour operator, Seguro Holidays, are delighted to announce their first ever seat sale from Glasgow Prestwick.

The popular destinations on offer are Lanzarote, Costa Blanca, Faro, Gran Canaria and Majorca.

Seguro are offering fantastic savings over the next couple of weeks, with return flight only fares from £39 and packages, which include flight, named self catering accommodation and transfer, from £119.

True to Seguro Holidays policy of “the price you see is the price you pay”, the rock bottom flight only fare includes all taxes and charges.

£39 return flights are available for the following dates and destinations –

* Lanzarote – April 22 for seven or ten nights; April 29 for three or ten nights

* Alicante – April 21 for seven or fifteen nights; April 28 for eight or fifteen nights

* Faro – April 22 for seven or eleven nights; April 29 for four or eight nights; April 30 for three or ten nights

* Gran Canaria – April 23 for seven or twelve nights; April 30 for five or twelve nights

* Palma – April 20 for seven or fourteen nights; April 21 for seven nights; April 27 for seven or fourteen nights; April 28 for six or thirteen nights

Richard Burke, Managing Director of the Seguro Travel Group, said: “We are delighted to offer our loyal Glasgow Prestwick customers these great deals as part of our first ever seat sale. Spring is a great time of year to escape to the sunshine and these prices give everyone the opportunity to do just that.”

Booking these cheap fares is simple – just call 0845 676 0043 and speak to a friendly and experienced sales representative, or visit www.seguroholidays.com or visit your local travel agent.

Seats are subject to availability.

www.Parctel.com: Leeds Bradford International Airport (LBIA) has been sold to European private equity firm Bridgepoint in a transaction totalling £145.5 million following a decision by five West Yorkshire councils to sell 100% of the share capital in the airport.

Commenting on the successful acquisition of the airport, Sir Graham Hall, who will now become chairman of LBIA, said: “Work can now begin on taking our airport up a league in every sense. LBIA is a key asset for our region and we want to build on its recent success and consolidate its role as the dominant international airport serving Yorkshire and Humberside.”

Adrian Williams, a director at Bridgepoint added: “We have a clear vision for the future success of LBIA – a future which will deliver benefits for everyone who uses it. Our aim is that the new LBIA will be one of which the staff and the region will be justifiably proud.”

Under the Bridgepoint strategic plan for the airport, a £70 million capital expenditure plan will be implemented to provide additional terminal capacity to accommodate anticipated growing passenger volumes and to meet more immediate infrastructure requirements. Specifically, the plan is built around:

- investment in, and development of, the existing airside and landside infrastructure to enhance capacity
- development of the route network to increase number of destinations, frequency and to double passenger capacity to seven million by the year 2015
- further development of the LBIA’s commercial revenues in areas such as retail and food & drink.

Bridgepoint has invested in the airport sector in the past. In 1997, it became the largest private investor in Birmingham International Airport (BIA) as part of a financing programme to fund the ongoing development of the airport. It sold its stake in December 2001 and during this five year period international connections at BIA grew by 70%, traffic grew by 40% (reversing leakage to neighbouring airports) and capital expenditure reached almost £200 million.

Leeds and Bradford councils each owned 40% of the airport with the remainder split equally between Kirklees, Wakefield and Calderdale. Although the councils will have no financial stake in LBIA, they retain a ‘special share’ to protect the name of the airport and to ensure its continued operation as an international airport.

The airport was formally advertised for sale in November 2006 in a process run by Ernst & Young, with legal advice prepared by DLA Piper. Bridgepoint was named preferred bidder on 4 April 2007.

Debt for the transaction was provided by Royal Bank of Scotland. Advisers to Bridgepoint in the transactions included: Rothschild (corporate finance), Addleshaw Goddard (legal), Ernst & Young Private Equity (transaction support and tax structuring), Airport Strategy & Marketing, Concession Planning International, Drivers Jonas, TPS Consult (commercial due diligence), ERM (environmental), Marsh (insurance).

www.Parctel.com: Passengers checking in for the first flight were entertained by a Canadian Mountie and sampled traditional Canadian food of pecan pastries with maple syrup. Mrs Jan Amos from Eastham, Wirral was the first passenger to check-in and as a consequence received a bottle of champagne. Jan was flying to Toronto to visit relatives and friends in Port Colborn, near Niagara Falls.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is Canada's largest City and home to the tallest building in the world, the CN Tower as well as being a hotbed of culture and entertainment. Passengers can now enjoy direct flights starting from only £99 including taxes.

Flyglobespan is now operating weekly flights to Toronto's Hamilton Airport which is conveniently positioned to serve downtown Toronto and other popular destinations in the province of Ontario, with Niagara Falls less than an hours drive away.

The weekly flight departs JLA at 1.30pm arriving in Toronto at 4.30pm. Return flights leave Toronto on Sunday evenings at 8.20pm arriving in Liverpool at 8.25am the following day.

Neil Pakey, Liverpool John Lennon Airport's Managing Director said:

“This flight marks the beginning of a new era for John Lennon Airport by being our first ever scheduled transatlantic service. As well as giving passengers in the North West the opportunity to fly to Canada at some great low fares, we hope that many Canadians will take the opportunity to visit Liverpool and Merseyside, particularly in the run up to 2008 and the City's European Capital of Culture celebrations.”

Flyglobespan is already well known to Liverpool John Lennon passengers having operated flights to Tenerife during the winter and later this month the airline launches a daily service to New York JFK - the first direct airlink between the two cities.

Chairman of flyglobespan, Tom Dalrymple said: “This is an exciting time for the airline and the airport. With our flights to New York starting later this month, these are two highly attractive long-haul destinations. The key factors of load factor and fuel price are even more important on these longer routes, and therefore the flyglobespan model that has worked so well on short-haul routes fits well into the long-haul market, delivering low seat prices”

As with all flyglobespan flights, passengers can book flight only or chose to add on transfers and/or accommodation. All flight, holiday, & city break details are available on www.flyglobespan.com

www.Parctel.com: NATS, the UK’s leading air traffic management provider, today (Tuesday 8 May) launches a consultation on proposed changes to two small sections of airspace that run from Evesham to Brize Norton and from Andover to Romsey.

The proposal allows for sections of airspace to be levelled with adjoining airspace, creating a corridor in which aircraft can be safely separated into north/south flows. The proposal also allows for two additional small areas of controlled airspace; these are extensions of approximately five nautical miles in width to the existing controlled airspace structure which links the Midlands with the South Coast.

The Terminal Control South West (TCSW) airspace change proposal is neither associated with, nor directly enables, expansion at any particular airport. It is being proposed to simplify the very complex traffic interactions in this area; the only way in which Air Traffic Control can currently manage this is to impose delays.

NATS anticipates that major benefits resulting from the proposed changes will include fewer flight delays and a decrease in carbon emissions per flight.

Consultation regarding this airspace change is being carried out involving a broad range of environmental and aviation stakeholders. These include county, borough and district councils, Members of Parliament, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, environmental groups, airlines, recreational aviation groups and other interested parties. Consultation material may be found on the NATS website at www.nats.co.uk; the consultation period closes on Friday 10 August 2007.

Once the consultation is complete, its findings will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority which decides whether the proposed change can go ahead. If approved, the change is planned to become operational on 10 April 2008.

www.Parctel.com: There will be a racing ‘twist’ to launch the annual East Midlands Airport Nottinghamshire Youth Games on Wednesday 9 May.

Twelve mascots representing the county districts and professional clubs, along with the Airport’s very own Rascal Rabbit, will join dozens of young people taking part in the Games for a race down the Check-in Hall – the first event of this year’s competition. All mascots will be hoping to win the accolade of EMA’s sporting mascot for 2007.

Volunteers from the Games will be on hand, using this event as a practice run, as they make final preparations for the main event days on 4th and 7th July. Rascal and his friends will be arriving on the Airport’s Skylink bus which runs every 30 minutes from Nottingham to the Airport.

Among the mascots joining the fun will be Sherwood the Bear from Nottingham Forest and N’ICE Bear from the Nottingham Ice Arena. The Airport’s Community Relations Manager, Michala Broadhurst will also be there to cheer on Rascal. As hosts of the launch and main sponsors of the Youth Games – East Midlands Airport is once again really excited to be involved in the event.

Penny Coates, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport said,
"We are thrilled that we have recently agreed to another three years of funding for the Nottinghamshire Youth Games. This is the fourth year of our involvement and we recognise the valuable contribution it can make to the community. The Games is an excellent example of sport for all, getting young people involved in fun but competitive physical activity, which is becoming increasingly more important in today's society".

Chris Rollé from the Youth Games Executive Committee said
“The Nottinghamshire Youth Games is one of the events of the year, an opportunity for the young people of the county to come together to celebrate sport. The Youth Games is also a sign of the strength of sports development activity in the county. It is proof of the wonderful work done by local authorities, schools, clubs, governing bodies and volunteers to give our youngsters a brighter sporting future.”

Those interested in taking part in the Youth Games either as a participant, coach or volunteer should contact their district sports development officer for further details. Team trials are already underway. Contact numbers can be found at www.intosport.org.uk

www.PArctel.com: Flyglobespan today operated its first ever flight into the Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire region as it officially commenced a new weekly scheduled service between Canada and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield.

The weekly service to Toronto’s Hamilton International airport is Flyglobespan’s first destination to operate to and from Robin Hood Airport.

Passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to the Airport's usual hospitality with complimentary refreshments laid on ahead of the departure of the midday flight to Toronto (Hamilton). Glen & Elaine Ward of Doncaster were the first passengers to check in for today’s flight. Like for many people living in the Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire regions, Canada just got a whole lot closer.

Mr & Mrs Ward were travelling to Toronto to visit their daughter and grandchildren, who live in the South West Ontario region. The couple explained how they have previously had to endure a frustrating journey across the Pennines to catch a flight to Canada.

Mrs Ward said:
“We’re so pleased that the journey to Canada is now so easy. We booked online and saved a fortune. Robin Hood Airport has obviously listened to what passengers want - this route is going to be very popular!”

Nick & Louise Stanley and their son Shay were also on this inaugural flight.

Mrs Stanley said:
“Not only are we playing our part in the history of the airport, this is my first ever flight and my 28th birthday, I don’t think we could be any more excited!”

David Ryall, Managing Director at Robin Hood Airport spoke from the busy departure lounge this morning:
“I am really pleased to see so many passengers on the first ever scheduled flight to Canada. Robin Hood Airport is the only airport serving Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire & Lincolnshire to have direct flights to Canada, and we hope to see many more Flyglobespan routes over the coming months.”

David Ryall continued, delighting at the fact that Flyglobespan chose Robin Hood Airport as the setting for the official commencement of the Summer 2008 Canada programme:
“The first transatlantic scheduled flight to land in Hamilton airport in almost 20 years will be from Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield. That’s something for both airports to be proud of.”

Tom Dalrymple, Chief Executive of Flyglobespan said this week:
“Advance bookings have been encouraging since we first announced the route and I am sure that interest will increase now we are actually flying.”

Flights to Toronto (Hamilton) Airport will operate every Tuesday. Bookings can be made via www.flyglobespan.com

www.Parctel.com: Due to the amazing response to the Meet and Greet offer that was released to Travel Rewards members earlier this year, we are pleased to announce that a 10% discount is now available to Travel Rewards members for stays of 1-3 days up until 31st May 2007.

New for 2007 the on-site Meet and Greet service allows travelling drivers to draw up to the front of the airport, unload their luggage, hand over their car keys to their personal airport concierge and proceed straight into the terminal to check in for flights. The service is the first of its kind to be operated by an airport in the South West or South Wales.

Passengers who book the service in advance will have their cars collected by a concierge and parked on-site in the airport’s secured parking compound which is protected by both CCTV and number plate recognition systems. The new service will enable busy passengers, families and travellers with disabilities to quickly and easily access the main terminal, safe in the knowledge that their car will be looked after in their absence.

On their return journey passengers simply have to call the concierge team who will arrange for their car to be delivered to the rapid pick up car park, just 100 metres from the terminal, where the concierge will hand over their keys and passengers can quickly head on their way.

www.Parctel.com: East Midlands Airport (EMA) has just been voted ‘Best Airport’ at the Baltic Air Charter Association (BACA) Awards 2007 at a prestigious ceremony in London.

The annual awards event, hosted by former England rugby centre and 2003 World Cup winner Will Greenwood, was held recently at Plaisterer’s Hall and brought together hundreds of aviation industry representatives. Last year the ‘Best Airport’ award went to Dubai Airport so the standard was extremely high. The membership of BACA was asked to vote for the best airport they had dealt with over the last year.

It is the fourth time in two years that East Midlands Airport has been hailed as ‘Best UK Airport’ – in 2005, EMA was commended by the TTG British Travel Awards and in 2006, by the Travel Weekly Globe Awards and by Selling Long Haul and Short Breaks magazine respectively.

Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, Penny Coates said,
“This is another great achievement for the whole team at the Airport and it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way, especially on a global platform. It’s a real testament to the hard work that has been put into making East Midlands Airport an excellent international facility for both passengers and freight – something we are all immensely proud of”.

Chairman of the Baltic Air Charter Association, Markham Jackson said,
“I consider that the award for East Midlands Airport is well deserved, as shown by the response of the membership and I would like to congratulate the Airport on this further honour”.

www.Parctel.com: It's a little known fact that PDX is located on a migratory flyway where hundreds of bird species travel every year. This includes hawks, known primarily for extraordinary eyesight and keen sense of awareness.

That's why the Port of Portland's public safety and security department is using the hawk on the cover of a new booklet called the Airport Security Guide. The hawk serves as a symbol for a community watch program for PDX badge holders. The program is called HAWKS, short for Helping Airport Workers Know Security.

The HAWKS program is intended to create a more secure environment for everyone at PDX by enlisting the support of all badge holders as extra “eyes” to observe and report anything that looks suspicious. The guide provides information to help airport workers become an integral part of the airport community’s HAWKS team.

The guide also highlights key badge holder responsibilities and consequences for not upholding these responsibilities.

www.Parctel.com: With increasing numbers of passengers arriving at the airport’s front door, the upper roadway is experiencing more and more congestion. In a move to ease the situation and improve the flow of traffic, airport officials made a change in where commercial vehicles deliver passengers.

Dawn Huddleston, commercial roadway manager with the Port of Portland, said, “You may have noticed a change that took place last month that is helping alleviate a crowded lane at the departure level curbside. All our commercial vehicles – taxis, airport shuttles, limousines, hotel shuttles, buses – are now using the outer lanes on the upper level, much as they do on the lower roadway. It’s made a significant improvement to the traffic flow.”

New Parking, Commercial Vehicle, loading and off loading routes at Portland International

Until last month, commercial vehicles using the upper roadway could use any lane they wished to deliver their passengers. Now, the closest lane to the terminal is for customers’ personal cars – for active loading and unloading only, of course.

www.Parctel.com: Business and leisure travelers will soon have a convenient new way to travel between Portland International Airport and Mexico City.

Effective June 1, Mexicana Airlines adds a new nonstop flight from PDX to Mexico’s largest city and business center. The flight will operate four times a week, departing Portland at 8 a.m., arriving at Mexico City International Airport at 3:15 p.m. The return flight leaves Mexico City at 8:45 p.m. and arrives at PDX at 11:59 p.m.

“This new service will strengthen the existing ties between Mexico and Portland, bringing a huge benefit to the Hispanic residents and those travelers who want to visit and discover other destinations,” said Jorge Goytortua, Mexicana regional vice president of sales and service for the West Coast.

Travelers can also connect in Mexico City to beach destinations and other points in Mexico, as well as Latin America. The new nonstop adds to Mexicana’s existing service connecting PDX and Guadalajara, operating daily at peak times of year.

Parking at Honolulu International Airport should be getting a lot easier by the end of next year when the state expects to complete a new 1,800-stall garage — which is taller and has more stalls than the department envisioned last year.

The state Department of Transportation announced that contractor Dick Pacific was selected to design and build the new garage, which is taller and has more stalls than the department envisioned last year.

The $39.2 million contract calls for the construction of a third airport garage to replace the 250-stall open-air parking lot located between the interisland and overseas terminals.

The new eight-story garage will connect to the interisland terminal garage on the top level with a two-lane traffic bridge and walkways, said Scott Ishikawa, spokesman for the state Department of Transportation.

Source: The Honolulu Advertiser

It is hoped that a new payment system will make it easier for motorists to pay for parking at Owen Roberts International Airport.

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority has announced that customers can now use VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards, issued from any bank and country, to pay for parking.

David Frederick, Chief Executive Officer of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), said he believed customers would find the new option useful.

“Quite often customers don’t have the correct change or currency to pay for their parking at the Automated Pay Station machine,” Mr Frederick said. “The option of paying for parking with debit and credit cards will provide greater convenience for both residents and visitors alike.

“We are in the planning stages of upgrading and expanding the airport terminal, and along with the major construction there are small changes such as this that will help ensure Owen Roberts operates in an efficient and customer focused way, using technology to its fullest advantage.”

Customers have the option of paying with credit and debit cards at two locations – either at the yellow Automated Pay Station machines outside of the Arrivals Hall or at the gate as they exit the parking lot.

The CIAA has collaborated with its bank, RBC Royal Bank of Canada, to offer the credit/debit card option.

“RBC Royal Bank of Canada has helped tremendously with the smooth implementation of the credit card capability,” Mr Frederick said. “We’d like to publicly thank them for their assistance.”

Source: Cayman Net News

During the next few months, Detroit Metro Airport plans to add machines to its parking lots that will keep track of parking charges.

If you're paying with a credit card, the machines will eliminate those parking stubs that can be so hard to find. But they'll also replace some parking cashiers.

Here's what readers have to say about the new machines:

• "I park every week at the Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson Airport Park Ride.

When they installed that type of machine on those lots ... my expectation was negative but I have been incredibly pleased.

Previously there were always lines for the human attendants whereas now I am always first in line and the time at the machine itself is about a quarter to a third as long as when a human attendant was doing it. In total it probably reduces my time to pay by 10 minutes each trip, which is extremely welcome at midnight or later after a long trip."

Jon Gabrielsen, Smyrna, Ga.

• "Who thought of such a lame idea to use machines to charge airport parking? What is wrong with this money hungry society? May I remind someone that some PEOPLE still have families to support? ... Machines are replacing too many people. Eventually these people with their bright ideas about machines will also be replaced, perhaps by their own machines."

Source: freep.com

www.Parctel.com: POrtland PDX have begun a project to make way for parking and roadway expansion that includes the removal of trees along Airport Way. Attractive new landscaping will follow when construction is completed. The new landscaping, a mix of trees, shrubs, grass and mulch made from the existing trees, has been selected and designed to be less attractive to birds. When it's finished more than 3,000 new parking spaces will have been created.

Construction of a new parking garage for close-in, extended-stay parking will begin this summer and will include new Port offices. The project is slated for completion in early 2010. Workers will begin adding an additional lane in each direction on Northeast Airport Way next summer. Special instructions for motorists are planned as needed when roadway realignment work begins.

www.Parctel.com: London City Airport is planning their annual event the ‘London City Airport Fun Day’. This is the eleventh Airport Fun Day and promises to be yet another awesome family day out, providing plenty of fun for everyone.

Why not make a day of it? You can experience London’s only Air Show, with death defying stunts and acrobatics - it guarantees to have you on the edge of your seat.

For those that want to experience a true adrenaline rush visit ‘Funky World’ to witness the X-Treme Motorcycle Stunt Trial Display Team, who will attempt 15ft jumps up vertical walls, amazing drop-offs and a full range of free-style tricks, which are only attempted by a handful of riders worldwide.

For the younger audience, be sure to visit ‘Kids World’ and ‘Mini World’, where great adventures are just waiting to be had.

After the excitement of ‘Funky World’ and ‘Kids World’, it’s worth making time to visit ‘Real World’ which reflects the world as it is today. You can take part in popular sporting activities, or visit the Motor Show, where you will probably find your dream car.

We have not forgotten the older generation; transport yourself back into the past by visiting ‘Yesterday’s World’, where you can enjoy an afternoon tea dance.

On top of all this don’t miss out on the action at the Main Arena in ‘Entertainment World’, where you can judge the grand final of the ‘All Newham Karaoke Competition’, plus enjoy much, much, more.

The Fun Day has become a very popular community event, very successfully raising money for the Airport’s chosen charity, Richard House Children’s Hospice. Last year the day raised a staggering £20,000. This year, with your help, we hope to raise a great deal more whilst having even more fun.

The following extract is from a blog by Steve Wernick:

When I travel, I usually fly out of the Philadelphia airport. I usually use the Aampco off-airport parking lot, and they’ve recently been bought out by PreFlight Parking. Recently, I had a problem with their service and I wrote out a detailed complaint to their General Manager. He responded with an apology, an offer of a complimentary service, and an invitation to try them again. They were, after all, in the midst of a change-over.

About two weeks ago, I tried the service again. For the longest time, as a frequent parker, I had the charges go directly to a credit card. Earlier this year, I followed their instructions and changed credit cards. That change didn’t make it into their system, leading to another problem as I was leaving their lot – at about 1am. I’d stayed six or seven days, and the charge was under $85.00.

I wrote an email to the GM, telling him about my experience, how I’d gone back to them without asking for any special consideration, and how it didn’t work out. He apologized again, asked me to try their service, and offered a refund of the last charge.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) will soon be installing new state-of-the-art equipment and technology at its on-airport parking facilities that will provide its customers with one of the fastest, most convenient and easiest-to-use airport parking operations in the country.

The new technology, called 1-2-3 Park - Credit Card In / Credit Card Out, will soon allow on-airport parkers to use their credit or debit card to enter and exit DTW's onsite parking facilities, without the need to pull a ticket. The new system will
function much like airline E-ticket machines, or gas station pay-at-the pump, where customers will:

1 - ENTER - by simply inserting their credit/debit card into the lot's new automated 1-2-3 Park entry device. 2 - PARK - there is no ticket needed ... the customer's entry information, including date, time and lot is securely stored in the system. 3 - EXIT - When the customer returns, they simply insert the same credit/debit card into a 1-2-3 Park exit device. The system calculates the correct charges, bills their card, prints a receipt, and they are on their way.

"Our new 1-2-3 Park technology will make on-airport parking just that simple ... as Easy as 1-2-3," said Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Lester Robinson. "This new system brings our on-airport parking technology in-line with the needs and demands of our 21st century traveler -- who is looking for convenience, simplicity and speed of service when they come to the airport to travel."

With approximately 70% of Metro airport's parkers already using their credit/debit cards to pay for parking; 1-2-3 Park will bring a new level of convenience and service to DTW's parking customers by eliminating the hassle of pulling and keeping track of a paper ticket stub. It will also eliminate the need for customers to make the extra stop at the existing pay-on-foot machines at the McNamara Terminal, and will keep lanes moving quickly at the lot exit plazas, with dedicated 1-2-3 Park exit queues for those who use the system.

Metro Airport will phase-in the new 1-2-3 Park system later this Spring in the DTW's Green and Yellow Lots, followed shortly thereafter by the Big Blue Deck. The project will be completed by the end of this summer, when the McNamara Terminal Garage incorporates the new technology.

Customers will still have the option to pull a ticket and pay by cash at the exit plaza cashier lanes, if they so choose. But as frequent traveler and industry expert David Beckerman, director of consulting services for BACK Aviation Services, states, "Why would you want to? Most people, especially business travelers, are already paying by credit/debit cards anyway, and keeping track of a ticket stub is just one more thing to worry about. Automated Credit Card In / Out parking systems are the wave of the future, and it's great to see that Detroit Metro Airport is on the leading edge of this new technology."

For more information and details about Detroit Metro Airport's new 1-2-3 Park -- Credit Card In / Credit Card Out technology coming soon ... travelers can visit the airport's website @ http://www.metroairport.com/.

Source: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

If you were to park one million cars end to end, how much room would you need? According to Tom Lombardi, the line would stretch from New York City to Los Angeles. And as president of AirportParkingReservations.com, Lombardi should know -- because his company is about to book its millionth online airport parking reservation sometime this month.

AirportParkingReservations.com began accepting guaranteed reservations -- with the payment of an online deposit -- three and a half years ago. Today travelers can reserve a space at over 200 parking lots located at more then 65 U.S. and Canadian airports.

"When I first spoke to parking lot owners about making reservations online, they thought I was crazy. Who would go to the Internet to book parking?" Lombardi recalls. With a background in travel agency sales and airport parking marketing, he knew that travelers would be happy to reserve parking at the airport if given the proper delivery system. The Internet, he realized, would allow for the consolidation of the independent parking lots and provide the means to issue a confirmation as proof of a guaranteed parking reservation.

Pete Carrea, owner of Winner Parking in Philadelphia, was one of the first to sign on. "I jumped at the idea of attracting new customers through the Internet and AirportParkingReservations.com delivered from day one," he says. "If you're online researching airport parking, you obviously don't know where to park. So it's no surprise that AirportParkingReservations.com is my single biggest source of new customers."

Many of the lots listed on AirportParkingReservations.com offer options for self-parking, valet and/or covered parking. Some even offer an array of car care services, including car wash, detailing and oil change. And all the lots listed provide luggage assistance along with free shuttle service to and from every terminal.

"Our customers repeatedly tell us how thrilled they are to be able to both save money and avoid the stress and inconvenience of driving around searching for a parking space at the airport," says Lombardi. "In fact, I suspect it won't be long before we announce our two millionth reservation."

Parctel acts as an affiliate for AirportParkingReservations.com and promotes their booking engine on this site, click on the Book U.S.A. Airport Parking hyperlink below to book via AirportParkingReservations.com.

www.Parctel.com: The Port of Portland Commission recently approved the addition of a new long-term parking garage at PDX. Atop the garage will be the new Port of Portland headquarters facility.

The structure will be built adjacent to the present parking garage at PDX in a portion of the current long-term parking lot. It will have room for an additional 3,000 vehicles and 500 rental car spaces. Offices on the top three floors will house most Port employees who work now at PDX, as well as employees who work in the current headquarters building in downtown Portland.

The garage has been planned for many years, with the need becoming more apparent with each holiday when all airport parking lots fill to near capacity. As planning proceeded on the new garage, it presented an opportunity to examine the cost and operational benefits of building a new headquarters facility and consolidating the staff in one location.

The Port will not use tax money to fund the new facility, and there will be no increase in airport fees.

Construction on the garage begins this summer. During construction, parking in the long-term parking lot may fill up more quickly. Be sure to check the new signs as you approach the airport on Airport Way, or visit the Port of Portland web site to get an up-to-date status report on parking availability.

A portion of the new garage will open in 2008, and it will be fully open in 2009. The Port headquarters will be complete in spring 2010.