Pullman-Moscow airport eyes expanding parking

PULLMAN – An expanded parking lot at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport could open the door for more revenue from rental car businesses.

The Pullman airport will increase the number of its parking spaces from 250 to 380 with an addition on the east side of the facility. The new capacity will give companies designated spaces where customers can return cars as well as additional storage space for vehicles, said Executive Director Tony Bean at a Wednesday meeting of the airport board.

The improvement is expected to cost $300,000 to $400,000 and to be ready this summer. As the airport works on the upgrade, officials also will advertise for bids for car rental companies, something that hasn’t happened in about 10 years, Bean said.

Avis, Budget and Hertz currently rent vehicles at the Pullman airport, with their activities governed by month-to-month agreements that generate about $80,000 to $90,000 per year, Bean said. Their desks aren’t always staffed when flights arrive and depart, especially late at night, he said.

The new model the airport is imposing will require a minimum annual revenue guarantee, lengthier agreements and employees at the desks when flights land and take off, Bean said.