Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Parking Business Unit (DFW/PBU) is the recipient of the International Parking & Mobility Institute’s 2019 Parking Organization of the Year Award.
The award, announced at the 2019 IPMI Conference & Expo in Anaheim, Calif., recognizes public or private parking organizations, departments, consultants, suppliers, and commercial operators that exceed expectations and meet extremely high industry standards.
The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Parking Business Unit (DFW/PBU) has a demonstrated history of industry leadership and innovation. Led by Armin José Cruz, IPMI’s 2018 James M. Hunnicutt, CAPP, Parking Professional of the Year, the team’s mission statement, “Going Above and Beyond for the Ultimate Experience” reflects its commitment to exceeding guests’ expectations by delivering a world-class level of service while growing revenue and managing expenses. The airport has been recognized by Fodor’s Travel as one of the top five high-tech airports in the U.S.
DFW/PBU is an Accredited Parking Organization (APO). Its $186.7 million in 2018 earnings made it the airport’s largest generator of non-aviation revenue.
Parking innovations include a smart garage technology system that directs passengers to available spaces; QR code readers; high-resolution cameras to improve license plate recognition; a prepaid booking system that generated $3.6 million its first year; a curbside realignment strategy; smartphone payment systems; 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations; and upgraded credit card readers that meet EMV requirements.
The PBU’s Motorist Assistance program has assisted more than 10,000 customers during the past year. Its 175 vehicles annually transport some 7.5 million customers and 6.3 million employees. Its off-gate aircraft enplaning/deplaning (hardstand) operations are considered among the most innovative in the industry.
DFW is the first U.S. airport to earn Blue Zones Project approval and has achieved Gold-level recognition from the American Heart Association for building a culture of health in the workplace. It is the world’s largest airport to be certified carbon-neutral.
“The DFW/PBU demonstrates what can be achieved in a collaborative, principled, and positive team environment,” said IPMI CEO Shawn Conrad, CAE. “As a pathfinder in applying innovative technical solutions to enhance customer experience at airports, the DFW/PBU is well-deserving of the parking and mobility industry’s highest award for an organization.”
