Tag Archives: Gateway Transformation Project

Gerald R. Ford International Airport begins Gateway Transformation Project – Phase II

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A rendering of the future west ticketing area at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Renovations begin November 2018 and will continue through Summer 2020.

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Construction on the second phase of the Gateway Transformation Project begins today at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA), and will continue through Summer 2020.

 

Construction improvements are focused on the airline ticket counters and baggage service offices, baggage claim, curbside, and ‘front of house’ areas. The main features will include relocating TSA screening equipment from the airline queuing areas, upgrading the space around the baggage claim carousels, and adding food and beverage establishments and restrooms to the space near baggage claim.

 

Remodeling will include new terrazzo flooring, new LED lighting fixtures, upgraded signage, and more.

 

Phase I of the Gateway Transformation Project started in December 2015, and wrapped up in September 2017. The first phase included a consolidated security checkpoint which centralized and combined security screening, along with new retail and concession space, restrooms and nursing rooms, business centers, and more.

 

“The comments we have received regarding Phase One of the Gateway Transformation Project have been overwhelmingly supportive and have generated excitement for what’s to come in Phase Two,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We look forward to completing the next round of construction to make our entire airport reflective of the scenery and beauty of West Michigan as we continue to be the gateway to our region.”

 

Because some of the construction will have an impact on passenger operations both in the terminal building and those picking up and dropping off passengers at the curb front, we encourage visitors to prepare ahead of time by arriving at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight, and by visiting: http://www.grr.org/construction.php. Updates on the progress of the construction, photos, and other helpful tips are listed here. Additionally, signage, maps, and airport ambassadors are available in the terminal building to assist with any passenger needs or directions.

 

The second phase construction and design is expected to cost $18 million and generate over 40 full-time jobs.

A rendering of the future bag claim area at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Renovations begin November 2018 and will continue through Summer 2020.

GFIA halfway to three million passenger mark with record-breaking June

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

June 2018 marks another record-breaking month at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA), going down as the busiest June in the airport’s history and setting the pace for what could be another historical passenger year.

 

June passenger numbers were up 17.5-percent year-over-year; resulting in the busiest June ever, and marking the first time GFIA has served more than a quarter-million passengers in the month of June.

 

At the end of the first half of 2018, GFIA is more than halfway to the three million passenger mark, having served a total of 1,593,356 passengers. Overall, 2018 passenger totals at GFIA are up 15- percent versus 2017.

 

“Summer in West Michigan is in full swing and we are noticing it at the Ford Airport,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport President & CEO Jim Gill. “Not only are we seeing record-breaking passenger numbers, but we are seeing new faces and new travelers who maybe haven’t flown in a while or in the past had chosen to fly out of larger airports. With six airlines, 25 nonstop cities served, and over 120 daily flights we are giving passengers more options at affordable fares, and they are utilizing our airport – the easiest choice around.”

 

June 2017 saw 240,761 passengers, while June 2018 topped that in serving 282,863 – the second largest increase ever for the month of June. Each month of 2018 has resulted in record-breaking passenger numbers, and the Ford Airport is coming off a 2017 that saw over 2.8 million passengers – the fifth straight year of record growth. GFIA has seen growth in 59 of the past 66 months.

 

“Our airline partners continue to invest here and are adding more service through the summer with more routes, and larger aircraft to accommodate our growing passenger traffic,” said Gill. “We expect the record numbers and trends to continue in the busy summer months as West Michiganders visit the world, and as the world visits our beautiful West Michigan region.”

 

The upcoming summer is expected to be the busiest summer in the history of U.S. air travel, according to trade group Airlines for America (A4A). The group estimates that over 246 million passengers will fly in the U.S. between June 1 and August 31, 2018. Historically low fares and a strong economy are noted for aiding in that forecasted record-breaking summer travel period.

 

Because of the increases both nationally and at GFIA, those traveling are advised to arrive at the airport at least 90-120 minutes before their flight. Updated security screening information, tips on what to pack/not pack, and more are listed at www.tsa.gov

 

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 Fall 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.

With 15-percent rise in April, GFIA passes one-million passenger mark earlier than ever

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has reached the one-million passenger mark earlier than ever in its 54-year history. Passenger numbers for April were up 15- percent year-over-year, as GFIA’s total passenger numbers through April 2018 reached 1,049,212.

 

April 2018 saw 123,225 enplaned passengers and 135,881 deplaned passengers, and the passenger totals are up 15.21% for the year.

 

“We were thrilled with our record-breaking March when we set the busiest month in our history, and to follow it with not only another tremendous rise in traffic, but hitting the million-passenger mark this early is incredible,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “Airlines are investing in this airport adding more frequencies, larger aircraft, and employing more staff to keep the services running smoothly. We are proud to be a catalyst for economic growth in this region and to support the business and leisure traffic that utilize our airport each week.”

 

GFIA is coming off a March that was the single busiest in history with passenger numbers up 16.2- percent, and is coming off a 2017 that saw over 2.8 million passengers, the fifth straight year of record growth.

 

GFIA has seen growth in 57 of the last 64 months.

 

“Kudos to our entire airport staff for their efforts, especially our hard working airline crews and TSA who keep passengers flowing through our new consolidated checkpoint quickly and efficiently, and getting them to their destinations safely,” said Gill. “We couldn’t grow without a strong team and we have that here at the Ford Airport.”

 

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 Fall 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 at http://www.grr.org/history.php.

GIFA begins $30 million apron reconstruction project

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An aerial view of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s apron reconstruction project and areas of construction shown in red.
Photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport

By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

Passengers traveling through the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) may notice a few more construction cones over the next several months, but not in the usual terminal building space.

 

Starting today, the Airport is beginning its apron reconstruction project, a $30 million project that will repair the terminal apron – the area where aircraft are parked, unloaded or loaded, and refueled. The construction will be completed in seven phases over the course of two years to allow for adequate gate space for air carriers as the busy summer travel months approach.

 

“Our goal is to do this project with as minimal impact to the passengers and our airline partners as possible,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are due for an upgrade to our apron area and our staff has done a tremendous job of maintaining this pavement for years, but it is important to keep up on these repairs and excel in our operations.”

 

The project will remove existing aging concrete pavement, and replace it with 153,000 square yards of new concrete for future airport development and aircraft loadings. The amount of concrete being placed equates to a nearly 250-mile stretch of four-foot wide, four-inch thick sidewalk – enough to walk from GFIA to the Mackinac Bridge.

 

In addition to the apron repair, GFIA is installing all new LED lighting in the apron area to reduce energy usage, and upgrading the stormwater drainage system and underground utilities to accommodate for future airport development.

 

“We recently completed Phase One of our Gateway Transformation Project – giving an upgrade to the indoor part of our facility, now we move into the airside area upgrades,” said Gill. “Safety and security are our first priority and we are working closely with our all of our tenants, contractors, and staff to ensure a smooth transition.”

 

The construction is not expected to have an impact on passengers, but project updates are available on our website: www.grr.org/construction for curious onlookers that may notice the activity from the Airport Viewing Park, Indoor

Gerald R. Ford International Airport continues record-setting passengers trend

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By Tara Hernandez

Gerald R. Ford International Airport

 

The Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport continues an upward passenger trend, and February was another record-setting month.

 

February saw 251,680 total passengers – up 16.31-percent from February 2017. Combined with a January that saw 13-percent growth, this now puts GFIA up 14.76-percent for 2018. February 2018 also goes down as the busiest February in airport history.

 

“That’s a pretty great feat considering February is the shortest month of the year!” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “We are seeing our 2017 record-breaking year trends continue into 2018, and we are still early in the year. We are about to head into our busy spring break season and we foresee breaking more records in our first quarter and into the summer.”

 

In 2017, 2,811,622 passengers flew in and out of GFIA, an increase of 5.95-percent from 2016. The Airport had growth in 11 of 12 months in 2017, and with January and February 2018 has now had 55 months of growth over a 62-month period.

 

 

The progression over the last five years started in 2013 with a passenger total of 2,237,979. In 2014, that number jumped to 2,335,105. In 2015, GFIA broke its own record once again with a passenger total record of 2,550,193 – a 9.21% year-over-year increase, and in 2016 the Airport served 2,653,630 passengers. The Airport has recorded the strongest growth in its 54-year history, serving over 12.5 million passengers from 2013-2017. Since opening its doors at its current location on 44th street, GFIA has served over 73-million passengers.

 

“Our tremendous milestones are results of our local passengers continuing to utilize our facilities, and all of our airline partners and airport tenants who have invested in more routes, and larger aircraft,” said Gill. “We will continue to grow, continue to see our airline partners invest in Grand Rapids, and continue to see a healthy, stimulated competitive market as long as we all work together as we have for the last several years.”

 

March 2017 is still the record-setter as the single busiest month in Airport history with 256,880 total passengers traveling through GFIA, breaking an all-time monthly record from July 2016.

 

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 Fall 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. Our 2020 Vision is to hit the three million passenger mark.”

 

Monthly passenger statistics are available on our website: http://www.grr.org/History.php.