Grand Rapids Airport: Size, Significance, And Scope

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. Covering 3,127 acres, it is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The airport has been ranked among the top five airports in the world by Airports Council International (ACI) in the Best Airports by Size: 2-5 million passengers category. The airport has recently been undertaking large-scale expansion projects, such as the $45 million Gateway Transformation Project, which includes consolidating security screening, updating restrooms, and enhancing retail and food and beverage spaces.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The airport was established in its current location in 1963 and has since undergone several improvements and expansions. In 2015, it was ranked first in North America in the "Best Airports by Size and Region – North America (2-5 million passengers per year)" category by Airports Council International (ACI). GFIA has continued to enhance the customer experience by adding concession updates, complimentary faster Wi-Fi, airport ambassadors, a therapy dog programme, updated parking and valet services, and new skycap services.

The airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, a seven-member body appointed by Kent County. The Authority provides airport policy direction and oversight, working towards creating an exceptional travel experience for passengers. The airport has also undertaken one of the largest capital expansions in the U.S. for a small hub airport, with a total estimated cost of $600 million. The project, known as Elevate, includes expanding and widening Concourse A, constructing a new rental car facility, and expanding the terminal curb front.

Ranked among the best airports in the world

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been ranked among the best airports in the world by the Airports Council International (ACI) in 2013 and 2015. The ACI's Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards ranked the airport among the top five airports in the "Best Airports by Size: 2-5 million passengers" category. In 2015, the airport achieved the first-place ranking in the "Best Airports by Size and Region - North America (2-5 million passengers per year)" category and tied for second place in the "Best Airport by Region - North America (all airports over two million passengers per year)" category.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is recognised for providing first-class travel experiences and excellent customer service and amenities. The airport has continuously improved the customer experience by adding concession amenities, such as Starbucks, Bell's Brewery and Restaurant, and healthy dining options. The airport also offers complimentary faster Wi-Fi, charging stations, business centres, and updated parking services.

The airport has also improved the passenger experience through technology upgrades, visitor information ambassadors, a therapy dog program, and partnerships with local institutions. These initiatives have enhanced the airport's ambiance and customer service rankings.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving over 2.23 million passengers in 2013, with over 6,000 travellers passing through each day. The airport offers non-stop service to 23 major market destinations with 120 daily non-stop flights. It generates over $500 million annually in economic activity throughout West Michigan and employs over 1,800 people.

The airport has also invested in significant infrastructure projects, including the $45 million Gateway Transformation Project, which consolidates security screening, updates restrooms, and improves flooring, lighting, and business centres. Additionally, the airport has commenced a $90 million expansion and extension of Concourse A, a $50 million relocation and construction of a new air traffic control tower, and a $25 million federal inspection station to facilitate international flights.

Serves 2-5 million passengers annually

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves 2-5 million passengers annually. It is the second busiest airport in Michigan, after Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and has been ranked among the top five airports in the "Best Airports by Size: 2-5 million passengers" category by Airports Council International (ACI).

The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Grand Rapids. It covers 3,127 acres (1,265 hectares) and has a rich history dating back to the early days of aviation. The airport's first scheduled air service was between Grand Rapids and Dearborn on a Ford-Stout monoplane named "Miss Grand Rapids," which began in July 1926.

Over the years, the airport has undergone various improvements and expansions. In 2013, it served over 2.23 million passengers, and in 2018, that number grew to over 3.26 million. The airport offers nonstop service to 23-32 major market destinations with more than 120-140 daily nonstop flights. It is managed and operated by the Kent County Department of Aeronautics or the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, depending on the source.

The airport has been recognised for its excellent customer service and amenities, ranking first in North America in the "Best Airports by Size and Region (2-5 million passengers per year)" category by ACI in 2015. It has also been named the No. 1 small airport in the U.S. by USA Today's Readers' Choice 10 Best Awards. The airport has invested in improvements such as concession updates, faster Wi-Fi, airport ambassadors, a therapy dog program, updated parking services, and more.

The airport is currently undergoing a significant expansion project called "Elevate," with a total estimated cost of $500-$600 million. This project includes expanding and widening Concourse A, adding new gates, concession and retail options, and modern amenities. The airport is committed to sustainable practices and aims to reduce its energy consumption by 70% once the Concourse A expansion is complete.

Covers 3,127 acres

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan covers 3,127 acres or 1,265 hectares. The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles or 21 kilometres southeast of Grand Rapids. It is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is currently managed by an independent authority, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. The airport was established in its current location in 1963 and has since undergone several expansions and improvements.

Grand Rapids' first airport was established in 1919, four miles south of downtown Grand Rapids. However, the area's first recorded landing was in 1911 when a Wright biplane landed at the Comstock Park State Fairgrounds. In the following decades, the airport underwent several expansions and improvements, including the addition of new runways, widening of existing runways, and the construction of new facilities.

The current airport in Cascade Township opened in 1963, with a 6,600-foot runway and a shorter 3,400-foot runway. Over the years, the airport has added new routes and improved its infrastructure to accommodate growing passenger traffic. In 1997, a new 8,500-foot runway was added to facilitate continued operations during reconstruction.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been recognised for its excellent customer service and amenities, ranking highly in the Airports Council International's (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. The airport has also been recognised as one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States, with continuous growth in passenger numbers and new routes being added.

The airport has undertaken significant projects, such as the Elevate program, to enhance the guest experience and accommodate its growing passenger numbers. These projects include expanding and widening Concourse A, constructing new facilities, and improving sustainability and environmental impact.

Recognised for excellent customer service

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognised for its excellent customer service. In 2013, it was ranked among the top five airports in the "Best Airports by Size: 2-5 million passengers" category by the Airports Council International's (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. In 2015, it was ranked first in the "Best Airports by Size and Region: North America (2-5 million passengers per year)" category and tied for second place in the "Best Airport by Region: North America (all airports over two million passengers per year)" category.

GFIA has continued to improve its customer experience by adding concession amenities, such as Starbucks, Bell's Brewery and Restaurant, and healthy dining options like "Greens". The airport also introduced complimentary faster Wi-Fi, airport ambassadors, a therapy dog programme, updated parking and valet services, and new skycap services.

The airport's $45 million Gateway Transformation Project includes plans to consolidate security screening, update restrooms, and improve flooring, lighting, business centres, retail spaces, and food and beverage areas.

In addition to these improvements, GFIA offers convenient and affordable parking options, such as Premier Parking, which provides close access to the terminal building, and the Economy Lot, which offers a 24/7 shuttle service. The airport also has a variety of shops and dining options, including full-service restaurants, grab-and-go windows, and local favourites like Madcap Coffee and Nantucket Bakery.

GFIA is dedicated to ensuring continued progress in providing a first-class experience for travellers, and its efforts have been recognised through awards and positive testimonials.

Frequently asked questions