Curated with locally-made furnishings by MillerKnoll and art celebrating our region's rich manufacturing history and spirit of innovation, the nearly 3,500-square-foot space features floor-to-ceiling glass walls with expansive runway views and abundant natural light.

With same-day Club Pass reservations, easy access for up to six passengers per booking, and comfortable spaces to work and relax while enjoying seasonal bites and beverages, The Club GRR is the ideal getaway to rest, recharge, and find your focus before your flight.

Come travel in style with us.

Every year, we shine the spotlight on one employee who turns service into an art form.

Providing exceptional service and showing unwavering compassion and respect for all is at the heart of our values at Ford International Airport. The Employee Recognition Program recognizes employees airport-wide who go above and beyond to bring these values to life for our millions of guests.

This year, we're proud to celebrate shuttle bus driver Gary Bell for his outstanding display of kindness and service. Mr. Bell exemplifies the passion it takes to elevate the guest experience for every person, every day. His positive attitude, generous spirit, and willingness to serve travelers is what makes our Ford International Airport so successful and special.

Your nominations are welcomed!

Have you experienced exceptional service? Nominate an employee to be our 2026 winner at grr.org/employee-recognition-program.

Meet our newest Board Member,
Jennifer Merchant.

Guided by our expertise, we fulfill our mission to create an exceptional travel experience for our passengers, and growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan.

Guided by our expertise, we fulfill our mission to create an exceptional travel experience for our passengers, and growth and prosperity for all of West Michigan.

In 2025, we were thrilled to have Kent County Commissioner Jennifer Merchant join us. A lifelong resident of Kent County, Jenn serves the County's 3rd District, which includes Cedar Springs, a portion of Nelson Township, and all of Vergennes, Grattan, Oakfield, Spencer, and Solon Townships.

Born and raised in Vergennes Township, Jenn and her husband, Rusty, are raising their family on the property where she grew up. She is a graduate of Lowell High School and Michigan State University, where she earned a degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy.

Monopoly: The Grand Rapids Edition

This year, Grand Rapids was selected to get our own Monopoly game, and Mr. Monopoly himself paid a visit to the Airport to celebrate. The Grand Rapids Edition includes our city's most recognized landmarks like the Amway Grand Plaza, Fish Ladder Park, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand River, Gun Lake Casino Resort, John Ball Zoo, Kids' Food Basket, Meijer, Provin Trails Park, The Rapid, and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, of course!

Other fun features include custom community chest spaces carrying the names of local nonprofits, the iconic Blue Bridge in place of Boardwalk (the most expensive Monopoly property), and next to it, “craft brewing tax” instead of the game's traditional “luxury tax.”

Passenger Appreciation Day

This annual event kicks off spring break with our concourses filled with family fun. More than 175,000 passengers during this busy travel week enjoyed live music, costumed characters, free swag, a Jerry the Jet™ appearance, and a visit from our beloved West Michigan Therapy Dogs. It's our pleasure to make spring break a little sweeter for our guests.

Paws with a Cause Puppy Tour & Partnership

This year, we selected Paws With A Cause as our 2025 GRR Runway 5K charity partner. It was our privilege to support this important organization, which places more than 3,500 custom trained assistance and facility dogs to individuals and families across our community. Together, we raised more than $15,000 to support their life-changing work.

Local Travel Agent Tour

Partnerships with travel agents are key to our success, as these West Michigan insiders play an important role in connecting the community to travel experiences. With this in mind, we hosted local travel agents for a private tour and a behind-the-scenes look at all the exciting happenings at the Ford International Airport, topped off by a tour of the runway and a visit from Jerry the Jet™!

The Plan is designed to help the Airport reduce costs, minimize environmental impacts, and deliver measurable financial, operational, environmental, and social benefits to the West Michigan region. As GFIA's inaugural SMP, it serves as a framework for identifying opportunities to enhance organizational resilience, improve resource stewardship, and support sustainable growth.

This effort reflects the Airport's commitment to serving West Michigan in a manner that enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and promotes a resilient future. Through this first SMP, GFIA reinforces its role as a regional leader and responsible steward of its resources, including its people, environment, customers, and community, while establishing a foundation for future sustainability achievements.

Safety First, Always

We took our commitment to passenger safety and aircraft operational efficiency up a notch with the completion of the new $14.5 million, 25,000-square-foot Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) building.

More space means ample room for our 19-person ARFF team to fulfill its 24/7 emergency response capabilities. Specialized features include larger bays for our four advanced firefighting vehicles, direct access to the recently completed Airport Operations Center, and expanded training spaces and specialized equipment for the crew.

Say Hello to Our New Cell Phone Lot

New construction opened up the opportunity to relocate the complimentary Cell Phone Lot closer to the terminal, making it even easier to pick up passengers.

The new Cell Phone Lot is just another way we're making our airport roadways more convenient and efficient as guests await reuniting with friends and family.

The Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE) is a progressive program made possible through our partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), AvFlight Grand Rapids, Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines, and West Michigan Aviation Academy.

FLITE provides grants and pilot-testing opportunities to companies focused on bringing emerging air travel technology solutions to market across five core areas: automation and analytics; electrification and sustainability; safety and security; door-to-door and terminal guest experience; and advancing aviation.

This past year, FLITE launched two more cohorts of innovators, awarding more than $360,000 in grants to 10 companies: Arrow Analytics, Civilized Cycles, Flox Intelligence, Metro Consulting Associates, Niricson, Synaptic Aviation, Tubular Network, Ultraview, VIRV, and VTI Aerospace.

Continued Federal and State Partnerships

The top federal priority for the Airport Authority is helping the FAA realize the value and urgency of relocating the federally owned and operated Air Traffic Control Tower connected to the airport terminal. Commissioned in 1963, this original ATCT does not meet current tower standards and is restricting development opportunities around the terminal. Thanks to continued conversations with state and federal leaders, design for a new tower was completed and $4 million was committed to the project in 2025. This enabling work construction funding allowed for the new tower site to be prepared with utilities and other improvements, and for communications pathways to be established to existing navigational infrastructure. $2 million of federal funding is a result of Congressionally Directed Spending made possible by Senator Peters. Recognizing the value to West Michigan, state legislators matched this funding with $2 million of state funds in 2025. The new ATCT is now entirely 'shovel ready'—ready for excavation and foundations today! The next step is federal obligation of construction funding and procurement.

While the CONRAC will introduce the convenience of a covered, enclosed walkway to guests, TEP will reveal an entirely new, airline consistent check in and bag drop system. GRR is once again ELEVATING the guest experience with new facilities in 2026!

Thank you for the opportunity to deliver another year of world-class travel experiences. The future is indeed bright.

Save the Date

• Food Trucks at the Viewing Park:

  Wednesdays in June, July, and August

• Girls in Aviation Day:

  September 19

• Fire Prevention Day at the Viewing Park:

  October 10

• Holiday Music Festival:

  December 1 – 5

• Operation Handshake:

  November 25

• GRR Online Store

  Represent GRR in style with the latest and greatest in airport swag. Shop branded apparel and specialty collections only available at FlyFord.myshopify.com

• Engagement

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