Airport Sees Growth in Rental Car Activity

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport reports that rental car activity at the airport is at an all-time high. According to a city news release, the number of cars rented shows growth for the second year in a row. In 2012 rental car activity increased by 5.7%, then in 2013 it increased an additional 15.8%. The year-to-date activity for 2014 shows an 18.1% increase in the number of cars rented compared to the same time last year. “We are hopeful this indicates a continued growth trend,” said Airport Manager Davis Dickson.

The airport initiated a new project in 2012 to construct a rental car wash center located on the commercial airport terminal campus. The project was completed in February 2014. Officials say with the opening of the rental car wash facility, the rental car agencies can process returned cars much more quickly, resulting in faster turnover. The wash bay will help the rental car companies serve their customers more quickly and effectively, according to the news release.

There are currently six rental car companies serving the airport. National, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget and Thrifty are each located in the commercial terminal building. Customers are urged to go to the airport’s website at http://www.FlyTYR.com to get more car rental information, according to officials.