Roberta Aguirre
The Kent County Airport, now known as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, Michigan. It is located 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids and is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. The airport was originally named the Grand Rapids airport and opened in November 1919, four miles south of downtown Grand Rapids. In 1999, the airport was renamed after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented Grand Rapids in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Gerald R. Ford International Airport |
| Location | Cascade Township, 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Owner | Kent County Board of Commissioners |
| Manager | Independent authority |
| Category (per US Federal Aviation Administration) | Small hub primary commercial service facility |
| Previous Name | Kent County Airport |
| Year Opened | 1963 |
| Year Renamed to Gerald R. Ford International Airport | 1999 |
| Number of Nonstop Routes | 30+ |
| Parking Options | Premier, Short-term, Long-term surface, Long-term close-in covered, Economy, Valet |
| Dining Options | Altitude, Starbucks, Firehouse Subs, Blue Bridge Market, and more |
| Retail Options | Reading materials, wearables, snacks, travel gear, electronics, souvenirs, carry-on bags, and more |
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What You'll Learn
The airport was originally named Kent County Airport
The first airport in Grand Rapids broke ground in November 1919, four miles (6.4 km) south of downtown. This came eight years after the area witnessed its first-ever landing, a Wright biplane at Comstock Park State Fairgrounds in 1911. The first scheduled air service was between Grand Rapids and Dearborn on a Ford-Stout monoplane named Miss Grand Rapids, commencing in July 1926.
In 1938, the Works Progress Administration made several improvements to the airport, including new runways, fencing, lighting, and remodelling the administration building. In 1940, the airport extended between 32nd and 36th Streets, with the west end expanding to the north of Himes Street. In the 1950s, runway 18/36 was extended and reached south to 44th Street.
In 1959, construction began on the present-day airport, several miles east of the original airport. The new airport opened in November 1963 and was dedicated in June 1964. In 1977, the Board of Commissioners renamed the Kent County Airport as Kent County International Airport. In December 1999, the airport was renamed for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, becoming the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
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It is located in Cascade Township, Grand Rapids, Michigan
The Kent County Airport, now known as the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, is located in Cascade Township, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The airport is approximately 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Grand Rapids and is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. It was first opened in 1963, and was initially named the Kent County Airport. In 1977, it was renamed the Kent County International Airport, before being renamed again in 1999 for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Ford represented Grand Rapids in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
The airport is easily accessible, located near I-96 and M-6, and is just a short distance from US-131. It is only about a 20-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids. The airport offers a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, economy, and valet. There is also a convenient cell phone waiting lot for those picking up or dropping off passengers, and an elevated pedestrian walkway to protect travellers from the elements.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has been recognised as one of North America's top guest-experience airports, offering over 100 daily flights and direct flights to more than 30 cities. It has won Airport Service Quality Awards for categories such as North America's best airport serving 2-5 million passengers, easiest airport journey, most enjoyable airport, cleanest airport, and airport with the most dedicated staff. It was also named America's Best Small Airport by USA Today.
The airport provides a variety of amenities for travellers, including several restaurants, retail stores, business centres, lounges, and family restrooms. There is also a Military Welcome Centre and therapy dogs to help enhance the guest experience. For those travelling with children, there is a Kids Port located off the Grand Hall.
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It is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and was managed independently when it first opened. The airport was initially named the Kent County Airport, but was later renamed after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, in December 1999. The facility first opened in 1963 and was dedicated in 1964, with its first scheduled jet flight taking place in 1968. In 1977, the Board of Commissioners renamed the airport again, this time as the Kent County International Airport. The airport has undergone various improvements and expansions over the years, including the addition of new runways and the construction of new buildings. The airport is currently undergoing a $500 million project to expand, modernise and enhance its amenities.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners has shown a commitment to the development and success of the airport, as evidenced by its continued involvement in the airport's operations and expansion projects. The Board's ownership and management of the airport have contributed to its growth and transformation into a major transportation hub in the region.
As the primary commercial airport in West Michigan, the Gerald R. Ford International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and connecting the region to the rest of the world. The airport offers over 100 daily flights and provides direct flights to more than 30 cities. It has also received numerous accolades, including being named America's Best Small Airport and one of North America's top guest-experience airports.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners' ownership of the airport has allowed for strategic decisions and investments that have enhanced the airport's infrastructure and improved the overall travel experience for passengers. Their commitment to expansion and modernisation ensures that the airport can accommodate increasing passenger numbers and provide efficient and effective services.
The Board's stewardship of the airport has resulted in the successful development of a modern and award-winning transportation hub that serves the community and contributes to the economic growth of the region. Their continued ownership and management of the airport bode well for its future expansion and enhancement.
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The airport has parking options for various needs, including valet
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a range of parking options to cater to different needs. The airport was originally known as the Kent County Airport and later the Kent County International Airport before being renamed in honour of Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States.
For travellers who are simply dropping off or picking up guests, the short-term parking lot is the most convenient option. This lot transitioned to an hourly rate system in 2024, and vehicles parked here must not exceed 8 feet 2 inches in height.
For those who require multi-day parking, there are three long-term parking options to choose from. The first is the Premier Parking lot, which offers the closest parking to the terminal building and provides a private entrance and exit through the car rental lane. This lot must be reserved in advance and can be accessed via a gated area. The second option is the North Lot, which is suitable for taller vehicles that exceed the height restrictions of the parking garage. There is no shuttle service from the North Lot, but it is possible to reach the terminal facility via pedestrian walkways. The third long-term option is the Economy Lot, which also accommodates taller vehicles and offers a 24/7 shuttle service to and from the airport terminal.
In addition to these options, the airport also provides valet parking, as well as a convenient cell phone waiting lot for those waiting to meet or greet incoming travellers.
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The airport has been recognised with several awards
The Kent County Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has undergone several name changes and improvements since its first groundbreaking in November 1919. The airport was renamed the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in December 1999, after the 38th President of the United States, who represented Grand Rapids in the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973. The airport has been recognised with several awards and achievements over the years, solidifying its position as a significant aviation hub in the region.
One notable recognition is its categorisation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021 as a small hub primary commercial service facility. This classification underscores the airport's importance as a strategic aviation gateway, offering essential services to passengers and airlines alike.
The airport has also been proactive in its development and expansion initiatives. In September 2017, it celebrated the inauguration of phase one of the Gateway Transformation project, marking a significant enhancement to the passenger experience. This phase entailed the addition of a 59,000-square-foot extension to the passenger terminal, encompassing a consolidated passenger security screening checkpoint, a new Marketplace with expanded retail and dining options, and the introduction of new business centres and lounges.
Another testament to the airport's commitment to growth is the announcement of Project Elevate in August 2019. This ambitious development plan included three major projects with a combined investment of $165 million. The expansion and extension of Concourse A, the relocation and construction of a new air traffic control tower, and the establishment of a federal inspection station to streamline international travel are all part of this project.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has also achieved several aviation milestones. In 1968, the airport welcomed its first scheduled jet, a United Airlines Boeing 737-200, arriving from Chicago O'Hare. Additionally, the airport was the first in the nation to implement new baggage screening regulations introduced by the Transportation Security Administration in 2002, demonstrating its proactive approach to security and passenger safety.
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Frequently asked questions
The Kent County Airport in Cascade Township, Michigan, opened in 1963 and was renamed the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in 1999. It is located 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids and is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.
The airport offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking, as well as a shuttle service to and from the airport terminal. Inside the airport, there are several restaurants, cafes, and shops, including Starbucks, Altitude, and Blue Bridge Market. There are also business centres and lounges, a Military Welcome Centre, and a Kids Port.
Airlines operating from the airport include Allegiant Airline, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines.
