Moore County Airport has partnered with the newest local car rental agency, AutoChoice Car Rental. AutoChoice replaces Hertz Car Rental, which exited its partnership with the airport last November after several years of operations at the facility. AutoChoice Car Rental is locally owned and operated by Aaron Cooper, founder and president of Cooper Ford located in Carthage.
The announcement coincided with the airport’s ramp-up to the U.S. Open Championship, which will be held in Pinehurst during June 10-16. AutoChoice Car Rental will immediately fill the existing space vacated by Hertz.
“We are excited to introduce AutoChoice Car Rental as our onsite rental agency,” said Rick Cloutier, director of the Moore County Airport. “Aaron has an outstanding reputation among the automotive businesses in our area, and they have demonstrated that they are focused on superior customer service, which has been a priority for the airport. We look forward to growing together for the benefit of the residents and guests who frequently travel to the Pinehurst area.”
The agency will be managed by Gray Cockman, formerly the General Manager at Cooper Auto Choice in Southern Pines.
AutoChoice Car Rental’s growing vehicle fleet includes compact models, mid-size vehicles, SUVs, and luxury cars. The agency will operate during the normal operating hours of the Moore County Airport, which currently are 8 a.m. — 8 p.m., seven days a week. Aircraft that arrive at the airport after normal hours will be accommodated with vehicle pick-up when they arrive.
“Like the automotive dealership business, the rental car industry has gone through a couple of tumultuous years due to the 2020 pandemic, with the lack of availability of cars and parts for repair,” Cooper said. “We have been watching the resurgence of travel to our community and felt this was the perfect time to introduce AutoChoice Rental Car in Moore County to not only service those guests arriving through the airport but also for the local community residents. Moore County Airport will provide a great home location for our new operation.”
The Moore County Airport is working diligently to prepare the facilities for June’s upcoming U.S. Open Championship. With a record number of private flights anticipated to arrive and depart from the airport because of the tournament, the Airport Authority and senior management members have been working to upgrade the airport facilities for the estimated 2,000 flights planned with over 5,000 passengers for the week of the Championship.
Cloutier added, “We are laser focused on enhancing the arrival and departure experience at the Moore County Airport and are pleased to include a local community business as part of operations moving forward.”
Photo of Moore County Airport by Sandhills Sentinel photographer Melissa Schaub.
Contributed.
