Council narrowly approves Sixt rental car operations at airport in 3-2 vote
Much of the discussion centered on whether the airport can accommodate a fourth major rental car brand without disrupting the three companies already operating on site.
The Palm Springs City Council narrowly approved an operating agreement Wednesday evening that will allow Sixt Rent a Car to launch operations at Palm Springs International Airport, following discussions over how the newcomer could affect existing rental car companies.
The agreement passed 3–2, with Mayor Ron deHarte and Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein opposed. The contract runs from through June 30, 2026, with two optional one-year extensions.
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Much of the discussion centered on whether the airport can accommodate a fourth major rental car brand without disrupting the companies already operating on site.
Bernstein questioned whether the city should delay the vote to give airport staff more time to discuss space needs with the incumbents. But Councilmember Grace Garner moved for a vote, kicking off further discussion.
Airport staff said they identified room for Sixt by converting an employee parking area into ready-return spaces. Sixt will also be given a small service counter on the north end of baggage claim and access to a building at the Accelerator Campus for vehicle maintenance and cleaning.
Despite the concerns, a majority of the council moved ahead, with Councilmember David Ready stressing the need to maintain strong relationships with existing rental car partners.
“We have always had a good working relationship with our rental car partners… If there’s additional space needs we can accommodate, I think I speak for the whole council that we encourage that to occur,” he said.
Under the agreement, Sixt will pay the city a minimum annual guarantee of roughly $492,000. or 10% of gross revenues, whichever is greater. The company will also pay approximately $167,500 annually in facility fees for counter space, ready-return areas, and its maintenance site.
Sixt cannot begin operations until the Executive Director of Aviation issues a notice to proceed confirming its entry won’t disrupt existing operators. Staff said the company could be up and running by mid-December.
When it does, Sixt will become the airport’s fourth major rental car brand, joining the three incumbents that have operated under city agreements since 2011.
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