b'36 ORF PARKINGThe new garage has nine levels and 3,200 much-needed spaces. PHOTO: GRESHAM SMITH - CHRIS CUNNINGHAM PHOTOGRAPHY intelligent cameras were placed at key entry and interchangejust really allowed us to respond quicker and betterand keep points to provide real-time level count data without requiringas little of it public-facing as possible, she recalls.much infrastructure. If ORF had chosen a single-space parkingBeyond preparation, Perryman says thinking long-term is guidance system, sensors or cameras for each parkinganother key to planning large-scale projects. Dont do whats space or every few spaces would have been requiredwitheasy. Do whats righteven if it means its going to be a little bit added infrastructure cost. Its right sizing the technology,more difficult, he says. Now thats okay, because its going to understanding how much information you want to get andmake things better longer term.give to parkers, and then understanding from a budgetary perspective, what is the right solution? Scheppmann says. On Deck According to Daring, from AeroParker, travelers expectSeveral other projects are in the queue for ORFs $1 billion services such as online reservation systems and will parkcapital improvement program. A consolidated rental car facility off-site if they cant get them at the airport. You can alwaysis expected to be a game-changer for both airport operations begin with a pilot program for one parking lot or area to testand the passenger experience. Currently, rental car agencies use and optimize before a full rollout, he comments. It is importanttwo levels in the parking garage closest to the bridge leading to prioritize simplicity, ensuring the system is intuitive for allfrom all passenger gates, and rental car revenue is maxed out users. He suggests choosing a proven technology partnerdue to capacity constraints. The new consolidated rental car with features like dynamic pricing, loyalty programs and systemfacility, expected to break ground in 2025, will provide up to 40% compatibility. Make sure to offer flexible options, promotemore capacity. In addition to centralizing all rental car agencies, benefits through digital channels and track performance toit will free up 600 valuable spaces in Garage A and eliminate optimize and stay competitive, he adds. the need for shuttling rental vehicles to and from offsite cleaning Dexter, from Hourigan, emphasizes the importance ofand maintenance facilities. [That] will give us more capacity for early coordination. Engage as early as possible with the endparking patrons, and it also solves some other bigger issues that user, design partners and construction company to map outwe have in terms of ready return and getting cars turned around the expectations, pain points and master planning of thequickly for our rental passengers, Perryman says. construction, duration and sequencing of work, he advises.Additionally, a larger terminal redevelopment project is set to Preparation is another major key to success, Sutherland adds.add new gates, a consolidated TSA screening checkpoint, an Its not if weird things are going to happen; its when, sheexpanded baggage handling area and a new U.S. Customs and says. With the parking projects, ORF was proactive with ampleBorder Protection facility to accommodate more international signage and a plan to minimize the impact on patrons. I thinkflights. A new on-airport hotel is also in the works. that served us very, very well, Sutherland notes. Preparing ourAirport leaders are counting on these initiatives to build team to come to work every day, ready to deal with somethingon those already complete as ORF positions itself for future youve never dealt with before, with a project that size, and itgrowth. January | February 2025AirportImprovement.com'