Phil Johnson - WKTV Journal

By Tara Hernandez, Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) Senior Vice President & COO Phil Johnson has announced his retirement after more than 20 years at the Airport.

In his role at GFIA, Johnson has assisted the CEO in managing the day-to-day operations of the airport and directing airport activities. Johnson has also played a key role in assisting the airport in air service needs such as the addition of Southwest Airlines in 2013, and Allegiant Air in 2009, among others.

“Phil has been a valuable asset to our airport for more than two decades and we are thankful for his service,” said GFIA President & CEO Jim Gill. “He leaves behind a legacy of always working diligently to make our Airport the best it could be. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Johnson has held a number of aviation related positions prior to beginning his airport management career in 1989. Among these are Systems Engineer for Hughes Aircraft Company — designing air defense and air traffic control systems; Air Traffic Control Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — controlling air traffic at Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center; and Manager, Aircraft Ground Services for National Air Enterprises — managing aircraft line service functions at a Fixed Base Operator (FBO).

In addition, Johnson is an Accredited Airport Executive with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE). He also holds professional affiliations with the Great Lakes Chapter of AAAE (GL-AAAE) and the Michigan Association of Airport Executives (MAAE).

“I have so many wonderful memories in my 22 years at the Ford Airport, and I feel blessed to call Grand Rapids home,” said Johnson. “It was a pleasure working with all of my coworkers over the years, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and development within the Airport Authority.”

Johnson holds a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University, and an Associate of Science degree in Air Traffic Management from Mount San Antonio College.

Johnson’s last day with GFIA is June 9th.

July 2016 was the single busiest month in Gerald R. Ford International (GFIA) Airport history.

July passenger numbers were up 1.69% year-over-year; resulting in the busiest July ever, and breaking an all-time monthly record from July 2015.

“Month after month our numbers are increasing, and we could not be more thrilled by the support from our area passengers,” said Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GFIAA) Acting President & CEO Phil Johnson.

July 2015 was previously the busiest month in GFIA history with 234,282 total passengers. In July 2016, 238,237 total passengers traveled through GFIA.

The Airport is on pace to break its annual passenger total, already 3.24% ahead of passenger totals from 2015. Through July 2016, GFIA has served 1,537,465 passengers.

“Our airline partners recognize this growth, and we are always working with them to add seats and flights to both existing and new destinations,” said Johnson. “These numbers also further justify the need for our Gateway Transformation Project, and the importance of our facilities keeping on pace with the passenger demand. Our investment in this project represents our commitment to improve amenities, infrastructure, technology, and customer service from our growing passenger base.”

Gateway Transformation Project construction began in December 2015 and is slated to continue through summer 2017. The project’s main feature is the consolidated passenger security checkpoint which will centralize and combine security screening to one main checkpoint in the Airport, eliminating separate screening for passengers traveling through either Concourse A or B. Construction also includes new terrazzo flooring, lighting fixtures, restroom & lactation stations, family restrooms, pre and post security business centers, new retail and food & beverage space, and much more.

GFIA monthly passenger statistics are available at http://www.grr.org/history.php.