Gerald R. Ford
International Airport
Community Report 2024
© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone
An inside look
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© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone
An inside look at our latest record-‑breaking year.
© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone
A Letter From Leadership
Dear West Michigan Community,
What a year it has been for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport! As we reflect on 2024, we are proud to share the incredible milestones that have shaped our airport's growth and strengthened its role as a gateway to opportunity, connectivity, and economic prosperity in West Michigan.
This past year, we achieved a historic milestone, serving more than 4.17 million passengers, a record-breaking number that highlights the increasing demand for air travel in our region. With more nonstop destinations, expanded airline partnerships, and a growing presence in the aviation industry, we continue to enhance the travel experience for our passengers while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and accessibility.
Beyond record-setting numbers, the airport remains a key driver of economic growth. Our latest economic impact study underscores our influence on the region, contributing over $7.7 billion annually, supporting more than 40,000 jobs, and fueling local businesses. With continued investments in infrastructure such as the Terminal Enhancement Project, new hangar developments, and the expansion of our Snow Removal Equipment facility, we are positioning the Ford International Airport for continued success in the years to come.
We are also committed to making travel more inclusive and accessible for all. From the introduction of our sensory room and post-security service animal relief area to AI-powered sign language technology, our goal is to ensure every guest feels welcome and supported throughout their journey.
As we look ahead, we are excited about the opportunities on the horizon. With new routes, expanded amenities, and continued investments in technology and sustainability, we are building an airport that not only meets today's needs but paves the way for future generations of travelers.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team, the support of our airline and community partners, and the travelers who choose the Ford International Airport. We are grateful for your trust and look forward to continuing this journey together.
Thank you for making 2024 a year to remember. Together, we'll continue to soar toward new opportunities!
Sincerely,
Tory Richardson
President & CEO
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority
Dan Koorndyk
Airport Authority Chairman
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board
Breaking records
A landmark year for passenger growth
4,172,068Passengers in 2024
The most-traveled passenger year for Gerald R. Ford International Airport!
In 2024, the Ford International Airport set a new passenger record, serving 4,172,068 travelers—the first time in history the airport has surpassed the 4-million mark. This marks a nearly 10% increase over 2023, the previous record-breaking year.
This growth is driven by seven commercial airline partners offering nonstop service to more than 30 destinations, a dedicated cargo airline, and dedicated stakeholders who support the airport's ongoing efforts. In 2024, the airport handled more than 80,000 aircraft operations and processed over 65 million pounds of cargo, further solidifying its role as West Michigan's vital transportation hub.
Driving economic growth
in West Michigan
A newly released economic impact study highlights the airport's significant contribution to the regional economy. Each year, the airport generates more than $7.7 billion in economic activity, supports over 40,000 jobs, and contributes $1.3 billion in catalytic household income. Additionally, it has a $10.3 billion fiscal impact, representing the tax revenues and public-sector financial benefits generated for local and regional governments through the airport's activity.
Visitors traveling through the airport spend an estimated $637 million annually, with an average daily spend of $161 per person. These travelers typically stay in the West Michigan region for 4.43 days, further boosting local businesses.
Construction projects associated with the airport have also played a major role in economic expansion, supporting an average of 328 construction jobs each year over the past five years.
Looking ahead, Ford International Airport is on track to achieve an economic impact of more than $10 billion by 2030, reinforcing its role as a key driver of West Michigan's continued growth.
Learn more about the airport's economic impact at grr.org/economic-impact-study.
Enhancing accessibility
Thoughtful and Accessible Amenities for All Travelers
The airport remains committed to creating an inclusive travel experience for all guests. In 2024, several new accessibility-focused amenities were introduced to further elevate the passenger journey.
One of the key additions is a post-security service animal relief area in Concourse A near Gate A1, providing a dedicated space for service animals. This new space further elevates the guest experience, ensuring all passengers, including their animal companions, feel welcomed and cared for during their journey through the airport.
Also in Concourse A, a state-of-the-art sensory room was unveiled to support travelers with sensory sensitivities. Developed in partnership with Disability Advocates of Kent County, the sensory room offers a calm, controlled setting to provide comfort and familiarity for passengers.
The space is divided into four distinct zones:
Transition zone
Helps passengers adjust between the active airport and sensory experiences.
Active zone
Engages multiple senses through interactive activities.
Respite zone
Provides a quiet space for sensory separation and recalibration.
Airplane simulation zone
Prepares individuals for new sensory situations to reduce anxiety.
© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone
Additionally, the airport partnered with Signapse, a former participant of the FLITE program, which brings emerging air travel technology solutions to market. Signapse introduced AI-powered sign language boards, making Ford International Airport one of the first in the U.S. to pilot this cutting-edge technology. These screens display real-time messages in American Sign Language (ASL) along with captions, ensuring that travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing receive crucial flight updates, including gate changes and delays. Our collaboration with partners at Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services helped shape this initiative to best serve the community's needs.
These newly added features complement the airport's existing accessibility-focused amenities, which include:
- Companion care restroom with a height-adjustable adult changing table
- T-coil page looping system, which transmits announcements directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants equipped with a telecoil (T-coil)
- Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for travelers with non-visible disabilities
- Universal design elements ensure a zero-barrier travel experience
- TSA Cares in partnership with TSA
- Wheelchair assistance for all
By continuously improving accessibility, the Ford International Airport reaffirms its commitment to making travel welcoming, inclusive, and stress-free for all passengers.
Expanding opportunities for west Michigan travelers
New Routes and Airline Partnerships
This year, Southwest Airlines introduced two new nonstop routes to Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Allegiant Air also expanded its offerings with a new nonstop flight to Palm Beach International Airport (PBI).
Additionally, the airport was excited to welcome new airline partner, Sun Country Airlines, which launched seasonal service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), providing travelers with more convenient options.
With these additions, the airport continues to strengthen its role as a key hub, offering more choices and greater connectivity for West Michigan travelers.
New amenities for guests
Enhancing passenger comfort and convenience
© Peter McCullough Photo + Drone
The newly expanded Concourse A now offers more dining options. In addition to the pre-existing amenities, we celebrated the opening of Freddy's and Uccello's, which offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Concourse B also continues to expand its dining options with the addition of Firehouse Subs and Bell's Tap and Table in 2024. Both concourses feature local businesses and locally made goods, reflecting and supporting our community's diverse tastes.
To further streamline the security experience, the airport introduced CLEAR Mobile, a dedicated expedited screening lane that provides a faster, more predictable journey through security. Liquid disposal units have also been installed near the checkpoint, allowing travelers to empty liquids before screening while preserving their containers for reuse and refill after security.
For those seeking convenient parking, the airport has introduced the Premier Parking Lot, offering a guaranteed covered parking spot on the ground level of the garage with a private entrance and exit. Available by reservation only, this $36-per-day option ensures a short walking distance to the terminal and can be booked at grr.org/parking-services.
Bringing the aviation industry
to Grand Rapids, Michigan
ACI-NA Annual Conference and Exhibition
In September 2024, Ford International Airport proudly hosted the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Annual Conference & Exhibition, one of the largest and most influential gatherings in the airport industry. The event brought together more than 1,900 industry leaders, vendors, and stakeholders from across North America to discuss the future of aviation, focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, technology, workforce development, and innovation.
Held downtown Grand Rapids, the conference provided a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge exchange, featuring keynote addresses from nationally recognized thought leaders and a sold-out exhibition floor with over 170 exhibitors showcasing the latest advancements in aviation technology and services.
As Ford International Airport undergoes more than $600 million in critical infrastructure expansion and improvement projects, hosting this premier event was an opportunity to showcase our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and the future of air travel. The conference reinforced our airport's role as a leader in the industry and a key player in shaping what's next for North American airports.
