Ruth Haines
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) is a commercial airport in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The airport was originally named Kent County Airport, dating back to the first air travel in Grand Rapids in the 1920s. In December 1999, the airport was renamed after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented Grand Rapids in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Gerald R. Ford International Airport |
| Location | Cascade Township, 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, US |
| Owner | Kent County Board of Commissioners |
| Manager | Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority |
| Year opened | 1963 |
| Former names | Kent County Airport, Kent County International Airport |
| Renamed | December 1999 |
| Renamed after | Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States |
| Number of runways | 3 |
| Number of concourses | 2 |
| Number of gates | 23 |
| Number of passengers (2018) | 3,265,242 |
| Parking options | Premier Parking, North Lot, Economy Lot, Long-term parking |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The airport is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States
- It is owned by Kent County and managed by an independent authority
- It was originally called Kent County Airport and opened in 1964
- The airport has undergone several renovations, including a $50 million upgrade in 2000
- It is one of the top-rated airports in the US, serving over 3 million passengers in 2018
The airport is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is named after Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States. The airport was originally known as the Kent County Airport, dating back to the 1920s when the first air travel arrived in Grand Rapids. In December 1999, it was renamed to honour President Ford, who represented the Grand Rapids area in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
Gerald R. Ford was a long-time supporter of the airport and had strong ties to the community. He is arguably the most famous and influential person to hail from Grand Rapids. The airport is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, and it was their vote that led to the name change.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is one of the top-rated airports in the country and has been recognised as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience. The airport has undergone significant development over the years, including the addition of new runways, widening of existing runways, and the construction of new facilities. In 2004, the airport served over 2 million passengers for the first time, and in 2018, it exceeded 3 million passengers.
The airport has two parallel east-west runways and one north-south runway. It features a passenger terminal with two concourses: Concourse A has 15 gates, while Concourse B has eight. The airport offers connections to destinations throughout the United States and beyond, with flights to 33 airports across the country as of July 2023.
Transit Visa Requirements for Japanese Airports: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is owned by Kent County and managed by an independent authority
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is owned by Kent County and managed by an independent authority. The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was originally named the Kent County Airport, but in December 1999, it 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. The airport has undergone various expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of new runways, the construction of a new terminal building, and the expansion of its parking facilities.
The transition of airport management from the Department of Kent County to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority occurred on July 1, 2016. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority is a seven-member body appointed by Kent County and is comprised of leaders from both the public and private sectors. They are responsible for providing airport policy direction and oversight, as well as driving the mission to create an exceptional travel experience for passengers and promote growth and prosperity for West Michigan.
The airport has continued to break passenger records and expand its services. In 2018, the airport exceeded three million passengers for the first time, and it was recognised as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience by Airports Council International World. To accommodate the increasing passenger traffic, the airport began phase II of the Gateway Transformation Project in November 2018, which included reconstructing the baggage claim, check-in, and front-of-house areas.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, led by president and CEO Tory Richardson, has played a crucial role in the airport's development and success. In 2019, they announced the Elevate expansion and improvement program, which included the expansion of Concourse A, the addition of eight gates, and various amenities. The program received additional funding in 2022, further enhancing the guest experience and positioning the airport for continued growth.
New York's Downtown Airport: Where to Fly In and Out
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was originally called Kent County Airport and opened in 1964
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport, previously known as the Kent County Airport, opened in 1964. The airport is located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. The facility is owned by the Kent County Board of Commissioners and is managed by an independent authority. The airport was renamed in December 1999 to honour Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented Grand Rapids in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
The history of aviation in Grand Rapids dates back to 1911, when a Wright biplane landed at the Comstock Park State Fairgrounds. The first airport in Grand Rapids broke ground in 1919, and the first scheduled air service in the United States between Grand Rapids and Dearborn commenced in 1926. Over the years, the airport underwent improvements and expansions, including the addition of new runways and the extension of existing ones. In 1974, a notable event occurred when President Ford and his wife, Betty, returned to Grand Rapids for the first time after he assumed the presidency.
In 1977, the Kent County Airport became the Kent County International Airport with the establishment of a U.S. Customs Bureau Office in the terminal. The airport continued to grow and surpass passenger milestones, reaching over one million passengers in 1984 and consistently setting records in total cargo volume from 1990 to 1994. In 1997, a new North-South runway was added to the airport's infrastructure. The airport celebrated its 40th anniversary at its current location in 2003, and in 2004, it served over two million passengers for the first time.
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has continued to invest in improvements and expansions to enhance the travel experience and drive growth in West Michigan. In 2019, the airport announced the Elevate expansion and improvement program, which included the expansion of Concourse A and the addition of new gates and amenities. The airport is managed by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, which comprises leaders from the public and private sectors.
Airport Security: Do They Inspect Checked Baggage?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$22.1
The airport has undergone several renovations, including a $50 million upgrade in 2000
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has undergone several renovations and upgrades since its establishment. One significant renovation took place in the year 2000, with a $50 million upgrade to the passenger terminal building. This major renovation improved the facilities and services offered to travellers passing through the airport.
In 2001, the airport continued its improvements with a $32 million reconstruction of its primary East-West runway, ensuring safer and more efficient aircraft operations. The following year, in 2002, the airport introduced a 1,000-space express shuttle parking lot, enhancing convenience for travellers. Additionally, the airport became a pioneer in security by becoming the first airport in the nation to screen 100% of checked baggage for explosives using advanced explosive detection machines.
The commitment to enhancing the airport's infrastructure and traveller experience continued with the commencement of Phase I of the Gateway Transformation project in September 2017. This phase involved a significant expansion of the passenger terminal facility, adding a consolidated passenger security screening checkpoint, new retail and dining options, business centres, and lounges. The completion of this phase marked a notable milestone in the airport's transformation.
In 2018, the airport embarked on Phase II of the Gateway Transformation Project, focusing on enhancing the baggage claim, check-in, and front-of-house areas. This phase also included apron reconstruction, with new pavement added to the apron and taxiway areas. These upgrades not only improved the functionality of the airport but also contributed to smoother ground operations.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport has consistently strived for improvement, and in 2013, it began constructing a natural treatment system to enhance stormwater management practices. This innovative system was designed to safeguard the waters of the nearby Thornapple River by effectively collecting stormwater runoff and naturally removing sediments and pollutants. The airport has also made improvements to streamline traffic flow, such as consolidating security checkpoints and renovating the grand hall and entrance areas with additional shopping and dining options.
Fast-Tracking Airport Security: Tips for a Speedier Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is one of the top-rated airports in the US, serving over 3 million passengers in 2018
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is one of the top-rated airports in the US, serving 3,265,242 passengers in 2018—a 16.13% increase from the previous year. The airport has been serving over 2 million passengers annually since 2004, breaking records with 2,150,125 passengers.
The airport has undergone several improvements and expansions over the years, including the addition of new restaurants and shopping options, as well as a consolidated security checkpoint to improve traffic flow. In 2018, the airport began Phase II of the Gateway Transformation Project, which included reconstructing the baggage claim, check-in, and front-of-house areas. The airport also has a variety of parking options, including Premier Parking, which offers close-in parking with a private entrance and exit, and a shuttle service for travellers using the Economy Lot.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second-largest airport in Michigan and the primary commercial airport in West Michigan. It offers connections to destinations throughout the United States and beyond, with flights to 33 airports across the country as of July 2023. The airport has two parallel east-west runways, one north-south runway, and a general aviation runway.
The airport was originally named the Kent County Airport, dating back to the 1920s when the first air travel arrived in Grand Rapids. It was renamed in December 1999 to honour Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented Grand Rapids in the United States House of Representatives from 1949 to 1973.
San Francisco Airport's Land: A Sprawling Acreage
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Gerald R. Ford International Airport was created to serve as Grand Rapids' first airport. The airport broke ground in November 1919, eight years after the area witnessed its first landing at Comstock Park State Fairgrounds.
The airport was renamed in honour of 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 and was a long-time supporter of the airport.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is one of the top-rated airports in the country and arguably one of the best of its size. It is also the second-largest airport in the state. The airport has also been recognised as one of the top-performing airports globally for guest experience.
![Bose A30 Bluetooth Aviation Headset - Lightweight Comfortable Design, Adjustable ANR and Noise Cancelling Microphone, [Dual Plug] – Black](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71F3iowq-qL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
