Gerald R. Ford International Airport has raised a ceremonial beam to celebrate its 110 million USD Concourse A expansion project
The Concourse A expansion is part of Ford International Airport’s Elevate programme, which has designated nearly 500 million USD in infrastructure investments to improve the guest experience and prepare the airport for continued growth.
Community members will now have the opportunity to sign the 14-foot steel beam, which will become a permanent piece of the newly expanded Concourse A.
Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk said:Today has been a long time coming, and we could not be happier to gather today to celebrate this significant investment in the future of travel in West Michigan. Prior to the pandemic, Ford International Airport enjoyed double-digit passenger growth for nearly two years, necessitating we undertake this monumental transformation of what will become our signature concourse.
The expansion will more than double the current capacity of Concourse A by adding eight new gates for a total of 15. A greater variety of seating options will be added, including tables, pods, and soft seating options. The number of food, beverage, and retail options will also be increased within a market-style open concept area. In addition, an executive lounge for business travellers will be added on an elevated level.
The new design will take advantage of natural lighting and the views to create a visually pleasing and energy-efficient space that will reflect the culture of West Michigan.
HKS Architect Jorge Barrero said:We wanted the new space to mimic the experience of arriving in West Michigan, which is reflected in the colours and textures chosen for the expansion. From the blue of Lake Michigan and natural tans of the sand dunes to the greys and purples of the urban core to the greens of the forests and farmland in between, your walk from the ticketing counter to your gate parallels the beautiful geography of West Michigan. Your travel experience will start when you arrive at Ford International Airport, which wants to be part of your journey – not simply a building.
Construction on Concourse A is expected to take 24 months, with the first phase scheduled to open in spring 2023 and be completed by the end of the year. The expansion project will create 125 new construction jobs and add 157,000 square feet of space within Ford International Airport, Michigan’s second largest airport.
Plans for additional infrastructure improvements under the Elevate programme are also underway, including:
- The addition of a federal inspection station, which will enable the Airport to offer nonstop international commercial passenger flights
- The relocation of the current air traffic control tower to make way for diverse terminal-area developments such as additional tenant hangars and more parking
- A proposed consolidated rental car facility with an enclosed walkway from the terminal that will offer additional transportation accommodations
- The proposed addition of parking infrastructure to accommodate additional guest traffic
- A proposed upgrade to the airport’s checked baggage inspection system, which will enhance safety and streamline the process
