Tag Archives: airplanes

Ford International Airport voted Best Small Airport in the Country by USA Today

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Ford International Airport was voted the Best Small Airport in the Country by USA Today 2025. (Photo Courtesy, Ford Airport)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport earned the top spot in the USA TODAY Reader’s Choice Awards for best small airport.

The 20 finalists for the category were selected by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. Voting was open from Sept. 8 until Oct. 6 with the public being invited to cast one vote per person, per day.

The panel consisted of editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards series highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.

“We are honored that the best guests in the country have helped us win the No.1 spot for the best small airport,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President & CEO Tory Richardson said. “The community’s incredible support continues to propel our commitment to providing a world-class airport experience, and we are thrilled to have won this award for the community.”

The top 10 winners in the best small airport category were:

  1. Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) 
  2. Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP)
  3. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD)
  4. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) 
  5. Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO) 
  6. Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) 
  7. Huntsville International Airport (HSV)
  8. Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT) 
  9. Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
  10. Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) 



Surpassing a record-breaking number of 4 million passengers in 2024, the Ford International Airport serves as West Michigan’s gateway to the world. The Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which has more than 100 team members who are responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance of airport facilities. Additionally, more than 1,300 team members from eight airlines, food and beverage providers, maintenance facilities and several other partners come together to offer air service and amenities to guests.

“We thank everyone who took the time to cast their vote for the Ford International Airport,” Richardson continued. “We also thank our dedicated team members and partners who help provide an exceptional guest experience to this award-winning airport.”

Ford International Airport FLITE Program selects companies to pilot Air Travel Technology Solutions

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Tubular Network: Automates the movement of goods in tubes using AI-driven delivery shuttles, providing safe, eco-friendly, and efficient logistics. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, in partnership with Avflight Grand Rapids Corporation, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines® and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, announced the seventh cohort of companies selected to receive more than $200,000 in total grant funding through the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE).

“We are proud to welcome five new companies to the FLITE program that will pilot test their technologies at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport,” said Alex Peric, COO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “We appreciate the commitment of our partners in supporting companies that will shape the future of aviation.”

FLITE, a first-of-its-kind program in the aviation industry, is helping shape the future of aviation by providing grant funding and pilot-testing opportunities to companies developing air travel technologies and services. The five companies in this round include:

  • Arrow Analytics: Utilizes AI and sensors to uncover new data sources.
  • Civilized Cycles: Provides safe, sustainable and affordable electric vehicles.
  • Metro Consulting Associates: Offers civil engineering and land surveying solutions for energy, community development, and infrastructure.
  • Synaptic Aviation: Leverages AI to monitor and optimize apron operations while enhancing safety protocols and fuel efficiency.
  • Tubular Network: Automates the movement of goods in tubes using AI-driven delivery shuttles, providing safe, eco-friendly, and efficient logistics.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the FLITE program at Ford International Airport,” said Marc Liu, chief revenue officer at Civilized Cycles. “This partnership provides a unique opportunity to showcase the capabilities of our electric cargo trikes in a real-world setting and demonstrate how they can revolutionize airport operations.

“FLITE aligns perfectly with our mission to provide sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, and we’re excited to contribute to the growth of Michigan’s innovative mobility ecosystem.”

As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job creation and community growth, the MEDC has played a key role in fostering innovation. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the MEDC has provided grant funding to support the companies participating in FLITE, to further the program’s mission and drive advancements in Michigan’s vibrant mobility and technology sectors.

The five companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport this winter and spring:

  • Arrow Analytics will test a camera-based system using AI to identify carry-on baggage and streamline boarding.
  • Civilized Cycles will showcase their electric vehicle as a short-distance cargo mover within the airport terminal.
  • Metro Consulting Associates will estimate future electrical demand and propose energy infrastructure solutions.
  • Synaptic Aviation will test AI and computer vision to improve efficiency and accountability in ground operations.
  • Tubular Network will explore logistics solutions to enhance baggage handling before and after TSA screening.

FLITE, which recently received the 2024 Best Small and Emerging Airport Innovation Award from Airports Council International World and Amadeus, has supported more than 30 companies, awarding over $1 million in total grant funds across seven rounds.

Applications for the next round of FLITE are being accepted now through June 30, 2025, at michiganbusiness.org/mobility-funding.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport awarded $8.7 million for improvements

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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org


The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive nearly $8.7 million in federal funding to install eight new passenger boarding bridges.

Gerald R. Ford International Airport to receive nearly $8.7 million for terminal improvements. (Courtesy)

The Federal Aviation Administration funding, announced by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Signed into Law Last Year

“This funding will support eight new passenger boarding bridges in 2023 to further enhance the guest experience and provide growth opportunities for airline service in West Michigan for years to come,” said Torrance Richardson, president and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. ”We are thankful for the investment in community infrastructure by Senator Stabenow and Senator Peters, which allows the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to compete nationally for Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to invest in our passenger terminal.”

This funding is from the Airport Terminal Program. Senators Stabenow and Peters helped secure these funds in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

“Having reliable and safe air service is crucial for tourism, commerce, and economic development,” Senator Stabenow said. “This funding is another critical piece of the infrastructure investments coming to our state and will improve customer experiences at our airports.”

Gerald R. Ford International Airport. (Courtesy)

The Airport Terminal Program is one of three aviation programs created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The law provides $1 billion annually for five years for Airport Terminal grants.

“Airports play a critical role in boosting Michigan’s economy by connecting communities and businesses to important destinations and resources,” Senator Peters said.

“I was proud to help secure this federal support through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help Gerald Ford International Airport make necessary upgrades to critical infrastructure, ensuring it can continue to welcome and transport travelers safely and efficiently for years to come.”

The Airport also will receive a $3.6 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements. The funding will go toward expanding the airport’s snow removal equipment building, as well as reconstructing existing airport service roads, runway lighting systems and the aircraft rescue and firefighting building.