San Diego International Airport in California, USA, officially opened its new 2,000,000ft² consolidated Rental Car Center yesterday (January 20) at a cost of US$316m.
The Rental Car Center houses the majority of the rental car companies serving the airport, including national brands, as well as local, independent and small businesses. All rental car customers will be carried to and from the terminals in 16 new alternative-fuel shuttles, which will replace the 81 shuttles currently operated by the rental firms.
The new facility currently houses 14 rental car companies and is capable of accommodating up to 19 brands in total, with room for more than 5,000 cars. The building, which is a candidate for LEED Silver certification, also features three new works of public art, with a fourth expected to debut later in 2016.
Robert Gleason, chairman of the board for San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, the airport operator, said, “When I look at the new Rental Car Center, I see a facility that does it all. It improves the customer experience from start to finish; it helps us maximize use of our 661-acre footprint in a sustainable way; and it bolsters the airport’s role as a key economic driver.”
Thella F Bowens, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, said, “With this facility, we’re helping to ease congestion on Harbor Drive while reducing the airport’s overall carbon footprint.”