By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport hosted its annual FLITE event on Tuesday, May 12, demonstrating the latest in breakthrough solutions that make airports safer, cleaner and more efficient, and improve the experience of airlines, passengers and all team members.
The Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship, or FLITE, began in 2022 and throughout the program’s history, more than $1.5 million in grant funding has been awarded to over 40 projects.
FLITE participants hail from many U.S. states and eight countries. They are accepted into the program after an application process and readiness review by the Ford Airport and FLITE partners including Seamless Ventures, Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, Southwest Airlines, Avflight and the West Michigan Aviation Academy.
This year’s project showcase included:
- GoodMaps built a new smartphone-based emergency and safety alerts system to assess performance in real-world operations and refine the guest experience in alignment with ADA and FAA communication requirements.
- Kodiak Technologies conducted a duty-cycle analysis to inform scalable fleet electrification strategies for winter snow removal
- Niricson captured imagery data to track maintenance performance of airport infrastructure.
- Pratt Miller demonstrated a dual-use autonomous robotic platform that performs perimeter security monitoring and foreign object debris collection to enhance operations.
- TractEasy tested its autonomous baggage tractor to demonstrate how autonomous towing can improve ramp safety and operational consistency.
- Ultraview AI showcased its drone inspection platform to capture high-resolution imagery and streamline aircraft maintenance workflows.
- Volair Technologies Inc. deployed a dashboard for ground-based users based on live air traffic and communication data, enabling features like real-time transcription, clearance visualization and aircraft movement prediction.
- Westwood AI deployed its Runway Ranger airfield operations tool to test how to streamline runway safety, infrastructure readiness and best maintenance practices.
- Flox will test it’s wildlife detection edge devices this summer to inform how airports can adopt intelligent wildlife management tools that improve safety.
Along with funding, FLITE provides these start-ups with industry-expert feedback, testing and analysis, talent, intelligence, scaling and launch advice, along with access to vendors, airlines and regulators. Past projects deemed commercially viable include the use of autonomous wheelchairs, AI American Sign Language technology embedded into Ford Airport monitors, automatic runway pavement testing and baggage tracking and movement innovations.
“The Ford Airport has always been committed to adopting proven technical advancements that enhance airport safety, service and trust for our guests, and help the U.S. remain the global leader in accessible aviation,” said Tory Richardson, CEO and president of the Ford Airport. “Being able to launch technologies that benefit passengers the most is a great fit as we uphold our designation as one of the best small airports in the country.”
FLITE works with companies to build the case for emerging air travel solutions through thoughtfully designed projects. Products are analyzed for desirability, feasibility and viability.
Applications are now open until June 30 for companies interested in applying for funding through FLITE. More information can be found at www.grr.org/flite.
About the Ford Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving business and leisure travelers with nonstop and connecting flights on eight airlines. The Ford Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. For more information, visit www.flyford.org or follow the airport on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram @FlyGRFord.
About FLITE
Founded in 2022 as one of the nation’s first airport-based outside innovation programs, FLITE focuses on propelling the transformation of aviation by providing grant funding and live environment testing opportunities to companies focused on bringing emerging air travel technologies and solutions to market. FLITE does this by providing access to industry experts, collaboration opportunities, accelerated testing and learning and project management and product development. For more information, visit www.grr.org/flite.
