By Tara Hernandez
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
The three million passenger mark is drawing in closer after the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) recorded another month of record growth with a September that served 255,888 passengers – marking 15.74-percent growth year-over-year.
September marks the ninth record-breaking month in a row for 2018, and the airport has seen growth in 62 of the last 69 months. September 2018 was the busiest September ever, and this quarter marks the busiest third quarter ever – beating out September 2017 for that title.
Through September 2018, GFIA has already surpassed its annual totals reached in all years through 2014 with 2,432,413 passengers served in 2018.
“Our excitement in record-breaking month after record-breaking month is genuine and we are so appreciative to the community for supporting and utilizing the Ford Airport throughout this amazing year,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are thankful to have a supportive West Michigan community that is not only flying in and out of the Ford Airport, but seem to be telling their friends near and far what an easy, efficient, and customer-focused airport we have.”
September 2017 saw 218,671 passengers, while September 2018 topped that in serving 255,888 – the first time GFIA has served more than a quarter-million passengers in the month of September.
GFIA has invested in new facilities to accommodate the growing traffic by recently completing Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project – an upgrade in space, retail, food and beverage, restrooms, finishes, amenities, and customer service offerings. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport. Construction also included new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, pre and post security business centers, a military welcome center, kids play areas, and much more.
Phase Two of the Gateway Transformation Project is slated to begin in November 2018 with construction taking place at the airline ticket counters, baggage claim area, and ‘front of house’ area.
“As we continue to grow in traffic it is imperative that our facilities keep up with our passenger demand,” said Gill. “Our passengers keep coming back because we listen to their wants and needs, and as they do we will continue to do our part to improve our amenities, technology, customer service and infrastructure. We are excited to see what the future holds, and we hope to add more growth in the years to come.”
GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: http://www.grr.org/history.php.
