By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Nonstop service from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Miami International Airport (MIA) will begin in Grand Rapids this winter, right before the holiday and Latin American travel season heat up.

American Airlines announced the service, which will be operated by American Eagle. The service begins on December 19, 2018, and will feature one daily trip in and out of Miami International Airport. Tickets are on sale now.

“This new service to Miami gives our customers in western Michigan unprecedented access to our gateway to Latin American and the Caribbean,” said Billy Glunz, American’s director – State and Local Government Affairs. “From Miami, American offers nearly 350 daily flights to 43 countries and territories, now just a stop away from Grand Rapids.”

The flight schedule for the new service includes a departure time from Grand Rapids daily at 6:05 a.m., and a daily return flight from MIA to GRR arriving at 12:48 a.m.

“Miami in December is a perfect way to not only kick off the holiday season, but an extremely busy travel period for the Latin American, Mexican, and Caribbean markets that Miami serves,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “This marks another Florida route on our map, but Miami is also a growing hub. Our West Michigan community will support this service, and be able to connect to American Airlines’ portfolio of great service.”

The addition of nonstop service to Miami marks the 25th nonstop destination served out of Grand Rapids, and the eighth city in Florida. American Airlines has served Gerald R. Ford International Airport passengers for over 25 years, and also has no