Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) has broken ground on its 135 million USD Terminal Enhancement Project (TEP).
This project will extend Michigan’s second-largest airport by 175,000 square feet at the west end of the terminal.
In doing so, the work will increase capacity, incorporate sustainable elements and optimise operations to enhance the guest experience.
Specifically, the expansion includes:
- A Consolidated Baggage Inspection System, or CBIS, on the lower level of the terminal. This will streamline the checked luggage process from the airline ticketing counter through screening and onto the aircraft.
- An Individual Carrier System, or ICS, for baggage handling screening. This will make GRR the first small-hub airport in the US to install an ICS.
- New ticket counter spaces and the consolidation of all airline ticketing counters to the west end of the terminal.
- An expanded baggage claim area with larger carousels to facilitate a more seamless and modernised baggage claim process for arriving passengers.
Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk said:The Ford International Airport is experiencing tremendous growth, recently achieving a record-breaking year in 2023 for number of passengers served annually. The Federal Aviation Administration has recognised our Airport as one of the fastest growing in the country, and this investment in our facility will support this continued growth, serving our thriving community for years to come.
The TEP project is scheduled for completion in 2027. The Christman Company is serving as the construction manager, while Corgan is the architect of record. VTC is the design team project manager, Fishbeck is providing project engineering and Beumer Group is serving as the contractor for the baggage handling system.
The Terminal Enhancement Project is part of GRR’s ELEVATE capital expansion programme, which includes more than 600 million USD in infrastructure investments to accommodate passenger growth and air service demands.
