Tag Archives: Gerald R. Ford Internaional Airport

Ford International Airport announces fourth round of FLITE

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(Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, together with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines® and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, has announced the fourth cohort of companies that will receive more than $100,000 in grant funding through the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship, or FLITE.

One of the first airport-based initiatives in the nation, FLITE provides funding to encourage the design, development and pilot testing of new products and services in a live airport environment. The five companies that will receive grant funding through this next round include:

  • Dataspeed Inc.: Autonomous research and development for vehicle integrations
  • DD DANNAR: A mobile power station with a multi-functional, zero-emissions, configurable platform for maintenance and emergency response needs
  • Numina: Computer vision system that applies a privacy-by-design framework
  • Signapse: AI technology that automatically translates written text to sign language via video
  • Volair Technologies Inc.: Flight perception technologies to support aviation operations and expand aerial mobility options

“FLITE continues to be a leading platform for new technologies in the aviation industry, and we’re excited to introduce the fourth cohort of companies testing their innovative solutions,” said Tory Richardson, president and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “This program is a collaborative effort with our partners to further enhance the guest experience and pursue advancements in the aviation industry.”

As Michigan’s lead advocate for business development, job awareness, and community development with a focus on growing the local economy, the MEDC provided grant funding to FLITE through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, or OFME.


Dataspeed Inc. will engage in comprehensive research and exploration to develop an intuitive and highly efficient user interface specifically tailored for an automated airport service vehicle.




Dataspeed Inc. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)




DD DANNAR is testing a mobile power station that can be configured for various maintenance tasks and serve as a mobile energy storage asset, capable of distributing power in a variety of ways.



DD DANNAR. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)




Numina uses computer vision systems to detect movement in streets, curbs, places and open public space — without collecting personally identifiable information. Numina will deploy sensors at key curb locations around the Gerald R. Ford International Airport to generate automated and continuous multimodal traffic insights to increase cost savings and improve the guest experience.

Signapse utilizes AI technology that automatically translates written text into a sign language video. This technology will be used at the Ford International Airport to deliver real-time departure and disruption messages in American Sign Language for deaf and hard of hearing passengers.

“Having the support of a program like FLITE is invaluable to a start-up like ours,” said Leia Clancy, head of business development at Signapse. “The program enables us to develop a flagship case study for our AI technology, giving us an opportunity to grow our business in Michigan and beyond.”

Volair Technologies Inc. deploys on-aircraft sensor pods to collect in-flight imagery, positional and traffic data through routine flight school operation. This project will provide flight data for advancing aviation safety-enhancing perception systems.

To date, the Ford International Airport Authority has provided support to 19 companies through FLITE, awarding over $500,000 in grant funds across four rounds. The six core focus areas for new technology advancements through FLITE include:

  • Automation & Analytics: Improving operational efficiency and optimization of workforce and other resources through automation and analysis of data
  • Electrification & Sustainability: Switching fossil fuel vehicles and infrastructure to electrics and other decarbonization projects
  • Safety & Security: Strengthening passenger and worker safety and security throughout the airport campus
  • Door-to-Door & Terminal Guest Experience: Improving the efficiency of getting to and from the airport and improving the pre-boarding experience
  • Advancing Aviation: Exploring the enabling infrastructure and implications of emerging commercial aviation use cases

Applications for round five of FLITE are being accepted now through October 31, 2023 at michiganbusiness.org/mobility-funding.

Ford International Airport Finalist for Best Small Airport by USA TODAY

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Travel,
The community is invited to vote online through Oct. 2. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport. )



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been named a reader’s choice finalist for the best small airport by USA TODAY.

The public is invited to cast one vote per person, per day at 10best.com/awards/. The voting period will be open until Monday, Oct. 2 at 11:59 a.m. The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top-notch attractions and businesses, providing readers with trusted recommendations.

Nominees for the 10Best are chosen by a panel of relevant experts, including editors from USA TODAY and 10Best.com, expert contributors and industry sources. 10Best.com provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.  

“Over the last several years, we have invested significantly to improve our guest experience,” Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson said. “From our front-of-house facelift to the expansion of Concourse A, we want to ensure guests flying through the Airport begin their travels in comfort and return home in style.

“Our success is largely based on the tremendous community support we receive, which makes this nomination incredibly meaningful to us. We hope everyone will visit USA TODAY and cast their vote to make the Gerald R. Ford International Airport the best small airport in the country!”

The Airport is undergoing a number of significant investments into its infrastructure, part of Elevate, a $500 million program to accommodate passenger growth and the largest capital expansion initiative for a small hub airport in the country. These investments include:

  • Concourse A expansion, a $110 million project to accommodate passenger growth. Phase 1 opened to the public on June 16, the concourse added eight new gates, expanded gate space to accommodate larger aircraft and introduced new concession and retail concepts, among other amenities.
  • Federal inspection station, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights in the future.
  • Consolidated rental car facility, a $156 million project that will offer additional transportation accommodations to travelers visiting West Michigan and include an enclosed walkway from the terminal. This project broke ground in May 2023 with an expected completion date in 2025.
  • Air traffic control tower relocation, with siting efforts completed, this project will now transition to the design phase in 2023.
  • Additional parking capacity to accommodate increased guest traffic.
  • Terminal enhancement project, which is a proposed plan to further extend the front of the terminal to add a checked baggage inspection system to streamline the post-ticketcounter journey for baggage, decrease processing time and increase capacity.

Ford International Airport breaks ground on $14.5 million Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Facility

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, West Michigan,
Ford International Airport broke ground Aug. 9 on its new $14.5 million aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) facility. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2025. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



By WKTV Staff

greer@wktv.org



Gerald R. Ford International Airport broke ground Aug. 9 on its new aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) facility. This $14.5 million project will further enhance passenger safety and aircraft operations.

The 25,000 square foot facility will include larger bays for advanced firefighting vehicles, specialized equipment and expanded training spaces for ARFF personnel. Construction is expected to be completed by February 2025.

“We are grateful to celebrate this momentous occasion as we break ground on this new innovative facility,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This investment is a testament to the Airport’s commitment to providing world-class safety and security measures to our passengers, partners and community members.”



An artist’s rendering of the Ford International Airport aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) facility. (Courtesy, Ford International Airport)



This facility will support the Airport Authority’s 19 member ARFF team. Staffed 24/7, the team is specially trained to respond to aviation accidents and incidents, which includes rescuing passengers and crew members, minimizing property damage and salvage operations.

This new center also will be used for training and supporting the Ford International Airport’s mutual aid partners.

“Our team does an excellent job maintaining the highest level of safety, and they look forward to a new building that supports enhanced functionality and efficiency,” said Lisa Carr, Public Safety and Operations Director for the Ford International Airport Authority. “By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and advanced training for our firefighting teams, we can further prepare for any potential emergencies or incidents that happen at the Airport or surrounding areas.”

No local taxpayer dollars will be used to finance any of the Airport’s projects; the construction of the new facility is funded by a combination of federal and state grants, municipal bonds issued by the Airport and user fees.

The FAA has committed two-thirds of the project funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically from the Airport Improvement Grant program. The involvement of the FAA and Michigan Department of Transportation signifies a strategic investment in the community and further supports the expansion of Airport operational activities.

“The unprecedented funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allows airports like Gerald R. Ford International Airport to make key investments to improve safety and operations,” said Shannetta R. Griffin, P.E., FAA Associate Administrator for Airports. “This new facility will enhance the emergency response capabilities of the firefighting teams to better support travelers of Grand Rapids.”

This facility will be an addition to the recently completed Airport operations center, which consolidated key teams such as operations and communications; and included a new emergency operations center (EOC). By strategically positioning the ARFF facility and operations center together the Airport can increase response times, reduce potential hazards and mitigate risks effectively.

Ford Airport on Pace to Break Three Million Passenger Mark

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The three million passenger mark is drawing in closer after the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) recorded another month of record growth with a September that served 255,888 passengers – marking 15.74-percent growth year-over-year.

 

September marks the ninth record-breaking month in a row for 2018, and the airport has seen growth in 62 of the last 69 months. September 2018 was the busiest September ever, and this quarter marks the busiest third quarter ever – beating out September 2017 for that title.

 

Through September 2018, GFIA has already surpassed its annual totals reached in all years through 2014 with 2,432,413 passengers served in 2018.

 

“Our excitement in record-breaking month after record-breaking month is genuine and we are so appreciative to the community for supporting and utilizing the Ford Airport throughout this amazing year,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are thankful to have a supportive West Michigan community that is not only flying in and out of the Ford Airport, but seem to be telling their friends near and far what an easy, efficient, and customer-focused airport we have.”

 

September 2017 saw 218,671 passengers, while September 2018 topped that in serving 255,888 – the first time GFIA has served more than a quarter-million passengers in the month of September.

 

GFIA has invested in new facilities to accommodate the growing traffic by recently completing Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project – an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also included new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, pre and post security business centers, a military welcome center, kids play areas, and much more.

 

Phase Two of the Gateway Transformation Project is slated to begin in November 2018 with construction taking place at the airline ticket counters, baggage claim area, and ‘front of house’ area.

 

“As we continue to grow in traffic it is imperative that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Gill. “Our passengers keep coming back because we listen to their wants and needs, and as they do we will continue to do our part to improve our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we hope to add more growth in the years to come.”

 

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: http://www.grr.org/history.php.

Kent County looking for residents to fill commission and committee spots

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The Kent County Board of Commissioners is looking for residents who are interested in serving the community through appointment to various boards, commissions, and committees. Any Kent County resident may apply by completing an online application form on the County’s website at www.accessKent.com/boardappointments. Resumes and cover letters are encouraged and may be attached. The application deadline is Sept 30.

 

Listed below are the boards, commissions, and committees that have openings for terms effective January 1, 2019 (unless otherwise noted):

 

  • Agricultural Preservation Board (openings for agricultural interest representative and conservation representative)
  • Community Action Agency Advisory Governing Board (openings for consumer and public sector representatives)
  • Community Corrections Advisory Board (openings for Defense Attorney and Probation Representative)
  • Community Health Advisory Committee (openings for community-based and faith-based organization representatives and health care providers)
  • Community Mental Health Authority (Network180) Board – term begins April 1, 2019
  • County Building Authority
  • Fire Commission (openings for township elected officials only)
  • Friend of the Court Citizen’s Advisory Committee (openings for the general public and family law attorney)
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRFIA) Authority Board
  • Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority
  • Housing Commission
  • Kent County Family & Children’s Coordinating Council (openings for private funding and private agency representatives)
  • Kent District Library Board (Region 1 – resident of Nelson, Oakfield, Spencer and Tyrone Township; and Region 5 – resident of Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids Township, and City of East Grand Rapids).Applicants must live in Region 1 or 5.
  • Kent Hospital Finance Authority
  • Lakeshore Regional Partners Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board
  • Land Bank Authority (must be a city elected official – excluding the City of Grand Rapids – to apply)
  • Millennium Park Architectural Advisory Review Board (opening for business community representative)
  • Officers’ Compensation Commission
  • Remonumentation Peer Review Group (must be a professional surveyor to apply)

  • Kent County’s Veterans Services is focused of veterans issues.

    Road Commission Board

  • Solid Waste Management Planning Committee (openings for general public, environmental interest groups, solid waste industry representatives, and a representative from an industrial waste generator)
  • Veterans Services Committee (must have served honorably on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces to apply)If you have any questions, please contact Pam VanKeuren in the Board of Commissioners’ Office at 616-632-7580 or Pam.VanKeuren@kentcountymi.gov.

As May passenger numbers rise, GFIA expects to see record summer travel

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

May 2018 is going down as the busiest May ever at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA), and airport officials foresee the busy month kicking off an even busier summer schedule.

 

May passenger numbers were up 11.5 percent year-over-year; resulting in the busiest May ever, and marking the first time GFIA has served more than a quarter-million passengers in the month of May.

 

“We are happy to hear the first four months of increased traffic in 2018 were not just a fluke of winter and spring break traffic, but that our record-breaking passenger counts are continuing into the summer months,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are seeing increases in the upcoming months with American adding mainline service to Dallas, Delta adding more frequency to New York-LaGuardia, and United’s capacity to Chicago and Denver increasing.”

 

May 2017 saw 234,300 passengers, while May 2018 topped that in serving 261,281 – the third largest increase ever for the month of May.

 

Each month of 2018 has resulted in record-breaking passenger numbers, and the Ford Airport is coming off a 2017 that saw over 2.8 million passengers – the fifth straight year of record growth. GFIA has seen growth in 58 of the past 65 months.

 

“Our airline partners continue to invest here and are adding more service through the summer with more routes, and larger aircraft to accommodate our growing passenger traffic,” said Gill. “We expect the record numbers and trends to continue in the busy summer months as West Michiganders visit the world, and as the world visits our beautiful West Michigan region.”

 

The upcoming summer is expected to be the busiest summer in the history of U.S. air travel, according to trade group Airlines for America (A4A). The group estimates that over 246 million passengers will fly in the U.S. between June 1 and August 31, 2018. Historically low fares and a strong economy are noted for aiding in that forecasted record-breaking summer travel period.

 

Because of the increases both nationally and at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least 90-120 minutes before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more are listed at www.tsa.gov

 

GFIA has invested in new facilities to accommodate the growing traffic by recently completing Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project – an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also included new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, pre and post security business centers, a military welcome center, kids play areas, and much more.

 

Phase Two of the Gateway Transformation Project is slated to begin in Fall 2018 with construction taking place at the airline ticket counters, baggage claim area, and ‘front of house’ area.

 

“As we continue to grow in traffic it is imperative that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Gill. “Our passengers keep coming back because we listen to their wants and needs, and as they do we will continue to do our part to improve our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we hope to add more growth in the years to come.”

 

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: grr.org/history.php.

Frontier Airlines officially returns to Grand Rapids

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, , ,

Frontier Airlines has landed in Grand Rapids (GRR), as the first flight from sunny Orlando (MCO) came in to the snowy Gerald R. Ford International Airport with a celebratory welcome and press conference.

 

Frontier, headquartered in Denver, is serving the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) with four weekly nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on an Airbus A320 family aircraft. The airline is also making three weekly nonstop trips to Fort Myers, Florida (RSW) which began on Sunday, and four weekly nonstop flights to Denver (DEN) beginning April 8, 2018.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Frontier in the Grand Rapids market,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Having another low cost carrier option to stimulate competition and offer even more nonstop service is a welcome addition for our air service portfolio and our growing community.”

 

Orlando is the number one market for nonstop service out of Grand Rapids with an average of almost 200 passengers per day each way. Denver is a top-five market for GFIA.

 

“Today we celebrate a more affordable way to travel from Grand Rapids to both Orlando and Fort Myers this winter. With fares as low as $39 it’s the perfect time to escape the winter chill,” said Richard Oliver, Spokesman for Frontier Airlines. “We’re offering not only amazing low fares but a reliable and friendly service that allows customers to customize their travel experience to their needs and their budget. This empowers more people than ever before to fly. This is what our Low Fares Done Right Philosophy is all about.”

 

Booking is available on Frontier’s website, www.flyfrontier.com.

 

“Our community has been receptive and supportive of each airline and new route we have added to our map, and we have no doubt that they will do the same with Frontier entering our market,” said GFIA Board Chairman Roger Morgan. “We are excited to offer even more competitive choices for our passengers, and continued growth in our airport.”

 

Frontier previously served Grand Rapids from 2010 through 2013.

Ford Airport dedicates tribute room to 38th U.S. President

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Ford Airport Officials & Ford Foundation Officials Celebrate the President Gerald R. Ford Tribute Room Ribbon-Cutting

Two organizations bearing President Gerald R. Ford’s name came together to celebrate a ribbon-cutting and dedication for a tribute room at the airport in  the late president’s honor.

 

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
officials joined President Gerald R. Ford’s son, Steve Ford, Joan Secchia representing the
Secchia Family Foundation, and Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Airport Tribute
Room Chairman Fred Keller, for the official opening of the President Gerald R. Ford Tribute
Room.

 

“Dad would be extremely proud to know that the foundation and the airport that bear his
name came together to honor him with this tribute room,” said Steve Ford. “He loved growing up in Grand Rapids, and it is humbling to know that he will always have a place to
be remembered. This tribute room at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a terrific
place for generations that knew my father to spend time reflecting on the past, but also for
future generations to learn about what he meant to our country and to West Michigan.”

 

The airport worked with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation to incorporate an
exhibit space dedicated to the 38th President, which is located pre-security as a part of the
newly renovated Gateway Transformation Project. The exhibit includes photos, an aircraft
carrier model, displays, and rotating historical pieces.

 

“Jerry would not have wanted this much attention on him, but I know he would be proud of this tribute room, and honored that so many came to celebrate his legacy,” said Secchia. “It was important for those of us that knew him well to give him full recognition in a space that bears his name. We appreciate this partnership with the airport authority, and we look
forward to opening this space for all visitors to enjoy.”

 

“When I approached Peter about having this room at the airport, it was a natural fit and he
and many others that knew President Ford personally jumped on board to make this
tribute room a reality,” said GFIA Board Chairman Roger Morgan. “Our Airport Board
appreciates those that helped raise the funds for this space, and we are anxious to show
this off to the millions of visitors that pass through our airport each year.”

 

The Tribute Room is open 24 hours a day to visitors and airport patrons.

Frontier Airlines adds nonstop service to Fort Myers

3-bottom, City of Kentwood

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Frontier Airlines announced a return to Grand Rapids (GRR) last month, and today the airline announced additional nonstop seasonal service to Fort Myers; starting in December.

 

Frontier, headquartered in Denver, will be serving the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) with three weekly nonstop flights to Fort Myers (RSW) on A320 aircraft. The service is in addition to nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Orlando (MCO), and Denver (DEN).

 

“With the addition of seasonal service to Fort Myers, travelers in West Michigan now have access to low-cost flight options to two great Florida destinations this winter,” said Richard Oliver, spokesman – Frontier Airlines. “Fort Myers is the gateway to the Southwest Florida region, and with our low-cost and reliable flights, we’re the best value in travel.”

 

The Fort Myers service is scheduled weekly for departures on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. The service begins Dec. 10, and will operate through April 2018.

 

“We are thankful to already see growth in Frontier’s route map, especially to a popular destination like Fort Myers,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “As we all know, nonstop service to our Florida markets is important, especially from December through April. We look forward to welcoming Frontier in our market.”

 

Booking is available now on Frontier’s website, www.flyfrontier.com, for travel starting Dec. 10, 2017 through April 7, 2018.

 

Frontier previously served Grand Rapids from 2010 through 2013.

First-ever Runway 5K at Gerald R. Ford International Airport coming this fall

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports,

The runways at the Ford International Airport will be the running track for a fall 5k. (Supplied)

by Montae Harris, WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

Lace and gear up your sneaks and get ready for the first ever Runway 5K, starting this fall at the Gerald R.Ford International Airport (GFIA).

 

The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m., on airport grounds.The race will begin near the cargo facilities, under a runway tunnel, loop around by the airport fire station, and wrap around on runway 8L/26R.

 

The proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Michigan, with the cost of $28 per person. That includes T-Shirts, post-race snacks and beverages, and awards for top finishers as well as other giveaways.

 

“It’s through the generous support of our Michigan Community, like our friends at GFIA that we are able to grant life-changing wishes to Michigan children,” Karen Davis, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan, said in supplied material.

 

There will also be a 1-mile fun run/walk, starting at 9:05 a.m., with the cost of $15 per person.

 

“This is a tremendous opportunity for runners, walkers, and families who want to come out for a Saturday morning stroll or a competitive race, and to experience a fun event on a runway that is normally only being used for aircraft,” Jim Gill, CEO and airport president, said in supplied material.

For more information on how to register visit here.

 

 

Gerald R. Ford International Airport reacts to Flint airport incident

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Officials at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in a statement released to today said “the airport is safe and secure and there are not alert changes, but visitors may notice an extra security presence in our passenger areas due to the events in Flint today.”

 

Earlier today, an officer at Flint’s Bishop International Airport was stabbed in the main terminal. According to reports, the FBI is investigating the incident.

 

“We send our thoughts and prayers to our friends at the Bishop International Airport,” the release stated. Officials reminded visitors that if they ever see anything suspicious in or around the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, they should call airport police at 616-233-6055.”

American Airlines starts nonstop service from Grand Rapids to Reagan National Airport

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By Tara M. Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Nonstop service from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) began today with a celebratory press conference, water canon salute, and capitol building-themed cake.

 

American Airlines announced the service in December, which is operated by American Eagle. The service features 13 weekly round trips.

 

“Nonstop service to Reagan National Airport has been a target market of ours, and we are happy to see American Airlines continue to invest in the Grand Rapids market,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “American has grown 74 percent at the Ford Airport since 2015, nearly tripling its seat capacity – that says a lot about American’s desire to expand here, and our community’s response to supporting new routes.”

 

The flight schedule for the new service includes departure times from Grand Rapids twice daily at 7:20 a.m. and 12:50 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and one daily departure at 9:40 a.m. on Saturdays. Service departing DCA and returning to GRR is twice daily at 10:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Sunday through Friday, with a 4:00 p.m. daily departure time on Saturdays.

 

American Airlines has served Gerald R. Ford International Airport passengers for over 25 years, and also has nonstop service to Chicago-O’Hare, Dallas Fort Worth, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.

Ford Airport partners with Kendall College for gateway mural

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By Tara M. Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has partnered with Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) to create an interactive mural on the Airport’s temporary construction wall.

 

Behind the temporary construction wall in the Airport’s grand hall, construction teams are working on GFIA’s Gateway Transformation Project – a $45 million development that will consolidate security checkpoints, add more food and beverage, retail, and business center space. In addition, new restrooms, terrazzo flooring, nursing rooms, upgraded lighting, and more are a part of the construction improvements.

 

The Airport approached KCAD to cover its blank construction wall, and a team of three KCAD students – with the support of five other students and staff –  designed, created, and installed a horizontal world map. The mural will go live this afternoon, and passengers are encouraged to interact with the wall by using flags to pin-point where they are traveling to or from. Passengers are also encouraged to post their picture on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag: #GRReatGateway.  When the construction wall comes down in June, one lucky social media winner will receive an airline gift card.

 

“This is a wonderful collaboration between our Airport and KCAD students to fill what would have otherwise been a blank, white construction wall,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We love the creative process that went into this, and we are excited to see our passengers’ pins – to see where they are traveling around the world.”

 

Spring Break for many West Michigan schools is approaching. The Airport’s annual Passenger Appreciation Days kicks off Thursday, March 30, Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. The annual bon-voyage celebration is a way for the Airport to thank passengers for traveling through GRR during the busy Spring Break rush. Travelers are treated to free refreshments, food, giveaways, prize drawings, contests, and more.

 

“KCAD is thrilled to collaborate with the airport on this project. It’s a great experience for our students, who are especially excited to be able to list a project with an international airport on their resumes,” said KCAD Director of Student Engagement Nicole DeKraker, “and a fun, visual way to both celebrate the art-centric West Michigan community and demonstrate the role Grand Rapids plays in world travel.”

Free books now available to travelers at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport

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bookprogramFree books are now available at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) thanks to a partnership with the Kent District Library (KDL).

 

KDL’s program “Little Free Library – Take a Book, Leave a Book” was installed today, and offers travelers a chance to pick up a book for their trip at no charge, or leave books they have finished. Shelves are located on both airport concourses, and include adult, teen, and children’s books.  Additionally, multi-language books will be available.

 

“This is a tremendous partnership for us with the Kent District Library, offering one more amenity for travelers at our airport,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Acting President & CEO Phil Johnson. “We are happy to support an educational opportunity in our airport, and our hope is that travelers utilize these books to pass the time when they are traveling.”

 

Each item will feature a “Little Free Library” sticker. Users are welcome to take a book to keep, or return it to the airport or their closest Kent District Library. Volunteers will oversee the airport shelves to ensure they are stocked, and monitor the content.

 

“We are excited to partner with the Gerald R Ford International Airport,” said Kent District Library Director of Innovation & User Experience Michelle Boisvenue-Fox.  “The idea of adding value to the traveler’s experience while coming and going from Grand Rapids by offering a free exchange library using gently used donations and second-run library materials will help anyone beat boredom while waiting.  I realize that I am a librarian but I can’t imagine getting on an airplane without reading material.”

 

The Airport is one of several locations for KDL’s Little Free Libraries. More information on the program is available here: http://www.kdl.org/little-free-libraries

Gerald R. Ford Airport Keeps it Green

Local Business, , ,

An aerial photo of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System
An aerial photo of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System

Winter air travel can be a hassle for everyone involved. Flights are delayed or cancelled due to bad weather, travelers escaping to warmer weather need to not only plan their wardrobe for the trip, but also for incoming weather on the return trip home, and most importantly – planes need to be taken care of!

During winter, planes need to be deiced frequently and that process can get messy for the environment. Fortunately, our local airport has a solution!

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) just recently completed a $20 million Stormwater/Glycol Treatment System, the first of its kind in the state of Michigan. The system is designed to eliminate the environmental risks from aircraft deicing procedures that are mandatory for safe winter air travel.

As part of the Airport’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit required prevention of deicing runoff caused during the winter months.

Part of the project design was to re-route the storm water from the north basin of the Airport to the Thornapple River, and re-configuring the Airport’s west apron storm water system to consolidate runoff from all aircraft deicing areas.

airport logo 2“The airport is committed to environmental stewardship and continuously improving our operations,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “The centerpiece of our new storm water management program is a natural treatment system that will significantly strengthen the airport’s environmental performance, protect and improve water quality in the Thornapple River, and help sustain the river system’s water quality, aquatic life and natural beauty.”

The new storm water treatment bed is an environmentally friendly design that uses gravity, vegetated beds, and natural organisms to treat the storm water with essentially no power consumption or residual waste.

For those who want to see Thornapple River kept clean, don’t worry, GFIA’s storm water management ensures the storm water reaching the river will be well within the State of Michigan’s water quality protection standards.

After serving over 2.3 million passengers last year, Michigan’s second largest airport is ready to keep up with the demand and diligent on cleaning up in a green and healthy way!

Gerald R. Ford International Airport Records Busiest Month in Airport History

Local Business, Our Cities,

New Record Airport pictureJuly 2015 was the single busiest month in Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport history.

July passenger numbers were up 9.4% year-over-year; resulting in the busiest July ever, and breaking an all-time monthly record from March 2015. It goes down as the busiest July on record, surpassing July 2011 by nearly 6%.

“Month after month our numbers are increasing, and we could not be more thrilled by the support from our area passengers,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.

“As a result of this growth, our airline partners are taking interest by investing in more seats through the introduction of larger aircraft and additional nonstop routes to and from Grand Rapids, which is good for our entire region.”

GFIA is on pace to break its annual passenger total, already 9.6% ahead of passenger totals from 2015.

March 2015 was previously the busiest month in GFIA history with 231,138 total passengers. July 2015 234,282 total passengers passed through GFIA.

Doug Small, President and CEO of Experience Grand Rapids, said that it was also the best performing hotel month.

50th Anniversary Celebration plans for Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Local Business, Our Cities,

 By Tara M Hernandez

Airport

Grand Rapids, Mich. – On November 23, 1963, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport opened at its current location. To commemorate 50 years of serving West Michigan, the airport will hold a 50th Anniversary celebration on Monday, November 25th, 2013.

 

The celebration will run from 1-3pm and is open to the public. It will include cupcakes, popcorn, beverages and ‘spin to win’ airport giveaways. Passengers and guests will also have the chance to enter two contests. A social media contest will feature a car detail package courtesy of Crystal Clean Automotive Detailing LLC & Standard Parking. In addition, guests and passengers in attendance on November 25th can enter a free parking contest. Five lucky people will win five free days of airport parking.

 

“Fifty years of service at our airport says a lot about the support from the West Michigan community and what better way to celebrate than to give back and share our anniversary with passengers and guests,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks.

 

“We are thankful to have such loyal passengers, and this is just one of the ways we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary.”

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan and will continue to observe its anniversary throughout 2014 with other special giveaways, celebrations and surprises. GFIA will also unveil a 50th Anniversary commemorative logo on Monday, November 25th. The logo will be used to celebrate the anniversary until November 23, 2014.

 

Media is welcome to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration. Please contact Tara Hernandez to arrange for interviews and photo/video opportunities.

 

Stay updated with 50th Anniversary celebration plans and contests on the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Facebook page. Or, follow us on Twitter:@FlyGRFord.