Avflight to serve business, general aviation travelers with enhanced privacy, security, convenience
Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 30, 2020 – The Gerald R. Ford International Airport announced today that Avflight has opened its state-of-the-art passenger terminal and hangar facility.
Designed to support the business and general aviation community, the new facility features a 5,000-square-foot passenger terminal building connected to a 30,000-square-foot hangar on a five-acre leased parcel on the airport’s east side. It is the second fixed-base operator, or FBO, at Ford Airport, which officials say will enhance competition for support services.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Avflight met its spring 2020 projection to open the new facility, creating 30 additional jobs in the process.
The new FBO will provide:
- Full-service aircraft fueling
- Expert ground handling
- Comfortable pilot and passenger lounges
- Secured access
- Aircraft de-icing/anti-icing service
- Catering
- 24/7 personal concierge services
- Complimentary car washing
- Premiere indoor car parking
The facility was intentionally built on the airport’s east side, providing convenient access to the terminal and taxiways/runways as well as the local highway system. Not only a $6 million expansion for the airport, the project is also an investment in the community, continuing the airport’s work as the gateway to West Michigan.
“We highly value the partnership we have built with Avflight while working to further enhance services for our business and general aviation customers,” said Tory Richardson, Ford Airport president & CEO. “The addition of this new facility offers an improved guest experience through enhanced privacy, security and convenience for travelers who choose to use the FBO.”
The FBO and hangar project broke ground in fall 2019 and is now open to the public. The Avflight team is practicing health and safety protocols as recommended by state and federal officials to address the coronavirus.
“We are thrilled to bring Avflight’s expertise and passion for aviation to GRR as a gateway to West Michigan,” said Garrett Hain, Avflight’s vice president of finance. “The region is full of vibrant communities and is an epicenter for business, education, art, dining, entertainment and tourism in Michigan. Our investment reflects our long-term commitment to the airport and the services it provides.”
About the Ford Airport
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the second busiest airport in Michigan, serving business and leisure travelers with nonstop and connecting flights on six airlines. The Ford Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. For more information, visit www.grr.org or follow the airport on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @FlyGRFord.
About Avflight
Avflight operates a network of strategically-located, full-service FBOs across North America and Europe. All Avflight locations provide full fueling and line-service operations as well as a wide variety of amenities. Customers range from corporate jet traffic to freight and cargo companies, as well as charter operations and small aircraft. Each Avflight location is staffed by experienced professionals who undergo continual training to ensure that each customer and aircraft receive the safest, most efficient and friendliest service. Avflight is part of the Avfuel-Branded Network of 650+ FBOs around the globe.
