Air travel has come a long way since the first passenger commercial flight in 1914. From the airport terminal to the airline passenger seat, technology, comfort, and efficiency have improved across the industry—and that progress isn’t slowing down. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air passenger demand is expected to more than double by 2050. Around the world, airports are investing in innovative technologies and modern infrastructure designed to reduce stress, streamline processes, and make every step of the journey more efficient.
At Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), that future is already taking shape. Through ELEVATE, one of the largest capital expansions for a small-hub airport in the U.S., $600+ million in investments are being made in West Michigan’s transportation infrastructure to meet growing demand and ensure a seamless gateway to and from the region.
The first completed phase of the enhancement project was a 90,000 square foot expansion of Concourse A in summer of 2024. The scope included eight additional gates, five new retail and restaurant spaces, The Club GRR executive lounge, and a number of accommodations for passengers of all abilities, such as an adult changing station, animal relief area, and sensory room.
If you’ve been through the airport in the last year, you may have seen progress on the next ELEVATE projects. As you approach the airport, Phase 1 of the Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP) is currently underway, expanding the southwest side of the building to make room for the installation of a Consolidated Baggage Inspection System (CBIS) on the terminal’s lower level. The latest in airport technology, the CBIS along with the new Individual Carrier System (ICS) will streamline the checked luggage process from ticketing to screening to aircraft loading. GRR will be the first U.S. airport to introduce this screening process at baggage drop.
To accommodate these process changes, a new ticket counter space will be created, consolidating all airline counters to the terminal’s west end, while the baggage claim area will be expanded with larger carousels, ensuring a more efficient and modernized experience for arriving passengers.
Additionally, on the northeast end of the terminal, GRR’s new Consolidated Rental Car Facility (CONRAC) brings all rental car services into one centralized, easy-to-access location. This consolidation reduces congestion, shortens wait times, and simplifies the entire rental process, delivering a big impact on overall travel efficiency.
As airports continue to evolve, Gerald R. Ford International Airport is leading the way with thoughtful, traveler-first improvements. Whether you’re flying for business or heading out on vacation, these innovations ensure your journey begins and ends with ease. At Gerald R. Ford International Airport, the future of travel isn’t coming soon—it’s already arrived.