Grand Rapids, Mich. Oct. 3, 2019 — The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) and Avflight tossed the first mounds of dirt today at a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of a new state-of-the-art fixed base operation (FBO) and hangar on a five-acre leased parcel at the Airport.
The event included local airport staff, airport authority board members, dignitaries and Avflight executives.
The new facility includes a 5,000 square foot FBO building, plus a 30,000 square foot hangar located on the airport’s east side with convenient access to the terminal and taxiways/runways as well as the local highway system.
Other services provided to the airport community include premiere indoor car parking, secured access, and 1,650 square feet of office space with the ability to build to suit.
“We are anxious to break ground on this new facility, and we are proud to see growth in general aviation at our airport as the demand for more options increases,” said Tory Richardson, Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO. “The Ford Airport contributes over $3.1 billion in economic output in West Michigan each year and as our community grows so does the need for air travel and services associated with air travel. General aviation at our airport is responsible for business traffic, mission trips and charitable flights, health-related services, and even educational opportunities. Avflight is a welcomed addition to our airport.”
Avflight, with 21 locations worldwide, plans to add 30+ new jobs and will make a $6-to-$7 million capital investment at GRR, establishing a world-class FBO serving both general aviation and the airlines. It is a sister company of Avfuel which has more than 650 branded FBO locations worldwide.
“We look forward to bringing Avflight’s expertise and passion for aviation to GRR. Grand Rapids is one of Michigan’s flagship communities with so much to offer its businesses and visitors. Our multimillion dollar investment in this new complex reflects our long term commitment to the region and confidence in our shared future at the airport,” said Avflight’s vice president of operations, Joe Meszaros.
The new facility is expected to open Spring 2020.
ABOUT GFIA
The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) is the second busiest airport in Michigan. The Airport served over 3.26 million passengers in 2018 and over 8,000 travelers pass through GFIA each day. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport offers nonstop service to 32 major market destinations with more than 140 daily nonstop flights. The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. GFIA generates over $3.1 billion in annual economic output throughout West Michigan, and employs over 2,000 people.
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.
