Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Generated by DeepSeek V3.2Expansion Funnel Raw 47 → Dedup 0 → NER 0 → Enqueued 0
| Gerald R. Ford International Airport | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Gerald R. Ford International Airport |
| IATA | GRR |
| ICAO | KGRR |
| FAA | GRR |
| Owner | Kent County Board of Aeronautics |
| City-served | Grand Rapids metropolitan area |
| Location | Cascade Township |
| Elevation ft | 794 |
| Coordinates | 42, 52, 51, N... |
| Website | https://www.flyford.org/ |
| Pushpin label | GRR |
| R1-number | 8L/26R |
| R1-length-m | 3,048 |
| R1-surface | Asphalt/Concrete |
| R2-number | 8R/26L |
| R2-length-m | 2,591 |
| R2-surface | Asphalt/Concrete |
| Stat-year | 2023 |
| Stat1-header | Aircraft operations |
| Stat1-data | 80,200 |
| Stat2-header | Passengers |
| Stat2-data | 3,983,000 |
| Footnotes | Source: Federal Aviation Administration |
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a primary commercial airport serving the Grand Rapids, Michigan metropolitan area and western Michigan. Located in Cascade Township, approximately 13 miles southeast of downtown Grand Rapids, it is the second-busiest airport in Michigan by passenger count. The airport is named for Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who represented the region in the United States House of Representatives.
History
The airport's origins trace to 1963 when the Kent County Board of Aeronautics opened a new facility to replace the aging Kent County Airport. Initially named Kent County International Airport, it was renamed in 1999 to honor Gerald R. Ford, a native of Grand Rapids. Significant expansion occurred with the opening of a new terminal in 1996, designed by the architectural firm Gensler. A major milestone was achieved in 2016 with the completion of a $45 million federal inspection station, enabling the airport to process international arrivals and receive its first scheduled transatlantic service by Delta Air Lines to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Facilities
The airport sits on 3,127 acres at an elevation of 794 feet and features two runways: 8L/26R and 8R/26L. The passenger terminal, designed by Gensler, contains two concourses (A and B) with 20 gates. The facility includes a consolidated rental car center and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection federal inspection station. Notable amenities include the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a public charter high school founded by Dick DeVos, and extensive art installations through its Art in the Airport program. The airport is also a hub for Corporate Eagle and a base for Kalitta Charters.
Airlines and destinations
The airport is served by all major U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Allegiant Air operates a focus city here, offering numerous nonstop routes to leisure destinations. Frontier Airlines also maintains a significant seasonal presence. Key domestic hubs served include Atlanta, Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, and Dallas/Fort Worth. International service has included seasonal flights to Cancún and Punta Cana, alongside the previously operated route to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Statistics
In 2023, the airport served 3,983,000 passengers, making it the second-busiest in Michigan behind Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Aircraft operations totaled 80,200 for the year. Southwest Airlines is typically the dominant carrier by passenger volume. The airport's busiest domestic routes consistently include Orlando, Atlanta, Denver, and Phoenix. Cargo carriers operating at the facility include FedEx Express and UPS Airlines.
Accidents and incidents
On January 6, 1997, a Beechcraft 1900 operated by Comair as Flight 3272 crashed in a field near Monroe, Michigan, while on approach to Detroit Metropolitan Airport after departing; all 29 on board perished. The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board cited icing as a contributing factor. The airport itself has not been the site of any major commercial aviation accidents.
Ground transportation
The airport is accessible via the I-96 and U.S. Route 131 freeways. Public bus service is provided by The Rapid through Route 28. Numerous private shuttle services, taxis, and rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate at the terminal. Parking facilities include short-term, long-term, and economy lots, as well as a cell phone waiting area. The rental car center is located adjacent to the main terminal parking structure.
Category:Airports in Michigan Category:Transportation in Kent County, Michigan Category:Buildings and structures in Kent County, Michigan