NEW CONTRACTS INCLUDE VALET, CASHIER AND SHUTTLE OPERATIONS
Corporate Press Release 10/11/2009
November 10, 2009, VANCOUVER, BC. – Impark, one of North America’s largest parking operators, announced today it was awarded multiple contracts for the operation of the Valet Parking & Concierge Service and the Cashier and Shuttle Bus operations at the Edmonton International Airport terminal curbside and parking facilities. Both contracts are for a term of three years and involved the hiring of over sixty staff at the Airport parking facilities; operating around the clock, each day of the year.
While a curbside valet parking service has been available to airport patrons for some years, Edmonton International Airport recognized there was a significant opportunity to improve the service offered through providing upgraded amenities combined with a focused marketing plan. Looking to achieve this objective, proposals were solicited from potential contractors, and the concession was awarded to Impark, who commenced operations on August 1st, 2009. In addition to responding to the required focus on passenger experience, Impark proposed a unique branding for the program under the name ‘Priority Valet and Concierge’.
The proposed new valet operation will achieve the Airports objective of enhanced passenger experience through both tried and trusted valet parking techniques, as well as innovative approaches to airport valet operations. A concierge service will allow travelers to take advantage of extended amenities including; vehicle washing, fuel top up, mechanical services, detailing, courier/shipping, shoe shine, dry cleaning, personal shopping, or even arranging delivery of flowers or gifts.
According to Brett Bain, Edmonton International Airport’s Manager of Parking and Ground Transportation; “We are confident that we selected the right operator to achieve the service goals we intended for the valet concession, and are excited to be offering an enhanced standard of service that will be much appreciated by the regular business traveler. Our brand promise at EIA is “we’ll move you” and we look forward to meeting and surpassing our customer’s expectations in valet services”.
Under a separate bid process, Impark was additionally awarded the contract to manage the cashiering processes at the parking facilities exits, and shuttle bus operations transporting travelers to and from the long-term parking facilities. In total, the Airport parking comprises over 6,400 spaces. Impark’s winning bid featured commitments to high standards of customer service, superior driver and cashier training, and a focus on quality control.
“These two contracts represent important opportunities for Impark to demonstrate its expertise in valet and shuttle operations” commented Herb Anderson, Impark’s CEO, “Impark successfully operates significant valet and shuttle operations elsewhere in its portfolio, and we are confident that our proven valet concierge model aligns perfectly with the Edmonton Airport’s service expectations”.
