Edinburgh airport has unveiled plans for a new “drop and go” parking service which it says will add 5,000 spaces at the airport by 2021.
The valet parking service will see passengers drive their car through a new dedicated entrance, where HD cameras will take 360-degree images of the vehicle.
The car is then parked in a ferry lane, with customers proceeding to a reception area, where they check-in their car and tag keys, before dropping them through a secure chute.
On return passengers will then scan a QR code to retrieve their key, along with information on where their car is parked.
The £12m facility is set to launch this summer, with bookings opening in the spring.
Commenting on the news Alec Hodgson, Head of Digital and Parking at Edinburgh Airport said:
“We’ve looked at our current parking options and identified an innovative facility which will revolutionise parking at Scotland’s busiest airport. By using the latest technology and adapting to the digital age we are in, we are offering a self-service product which is more convenient for our passengers.
“This is the first approach of its kind in Scotland and again we are proud to be leading the industry by embracing technology and planning for the future. We will deliver 5000 new spaces by 2021 and enhance availability and affordability of parking at Edinburgh Airport by using our space more efficiently.
“We know passengers want a smooth and effective start to their holidays or business trips and we’re striving to offer that, starting with that vehicle drop off. The positive passenger experience is crucial to our business and something that will always be at the heart of our approach.”
There is a growing use of technology at airports to increase the number of available parking spaces – last month Business Traveller reported that Gatwick is working with French firm Stanley Robotics to trial the use of a robot to park cars, with the potential of increasing car park capacity by up to 50 per cent.
