CONTACTS:
Dan Mann, Airport Director, 362-3131 or
Pam Hinman, Director of Marketing & Communications, 286-5719
Cell Phone Waiting Lot Opens
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 1, 2006 - Free and easy – those are the two words Dan Mann, director of The Eastern Iowa Airport uses to describe the latest customer service improvement at the airport.
The Airport today opened a Cell Phone Waiting Lot, a free parking area for people waiting to pick up travelers. The lot is located in the parking area adjacent to the Airport Administration Building, which is before the Airport Terminal.
“There are signs installed directing people to the Cell Phone Waiting Lot, designating the spots,” Mann said. “One good landmark for people to note is it is the lot across from the “In Transit” statue.”
People must stay with their vehicle while waiting to pick up travelers. When travelers land, they will then call their party to let them know they’ve arrived and that they will be waiting outside the terminal to be picked up. The driver will leave the lot, driving back onto Arthur Collins Parkway (the terminal drive) and pick up their party.
Those waiting in the Cell Phone lot can call the Airport Information Center at 362-8336 to get updated flight information.
“We are always looking at ways to improve customer service at the Airport,” Mann said. “This is a simple addition that is going to help out passengers and drivers alike.”
Additional long-term parking is also being constructed and should be completed later this fall. The additional 370 spots is just one step in a larger parking plan for the Airport, Mann said.
“With more than 1 million passengers using The Eastern Iowa Airport, parking continues to be an issue,” he said. “We will be looking at other expansion in the future with the focus on convenience and affordability.”
The Eastern Iowa Airport is served by five airlines – American, United Express, Northwest, Delta Connection and Allegiant Air – with non-stop service to 10 destinations. In 2005, TEIA broke its passenger record with 1,004,265 total passengers. Mann said things are on track to meet or exceed that number in 2006.