Ford Airport fuels West Michigan economy, $7.7 Billion annually

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A new economic impact study conducted by the Gerald R. Ford International – in partnership with Grand Valley State University – estimates the airport’s impact on the region generates $7.7 billion annually in economic activity.

Additionally, the airport drives economic growth and prosperity in the 13-county West Michigan region, the study showed, resulting in 40,324 jobs, $10.3 million in fiscal impact and $1.3 million in stimulus impact on household income.

“The airport plays a critical role in facilitating economic growth and enhancing the vitality of our community,” said Dan Korndyk, Chairman of the Airport Authority Board of Directors. “Through our diligent and intentional efforts, we have doubled our economic impact since conducting our last study in 2015, and we are on track to reach our goal of $10 billion in economic activity by 2030.”

Breaking down the numbers further, the study revealed that total annual direct spending by visitors traveling through Ford International Airport reached $637 million, with an average daily spending of $161 per person. The study went on to say that when visiting the West Michigan region, visitors stayed an average of 4.43 days.

Airport-related construction activity has also been significant, supporting an average of 328 construction jobs annually over the past five years.

“As a gateway to and from West Michigan, maintaining connectivity is essential because it provides business and community partners with the resources needed to stimulate job growth, retain employees and support the livelihoods of local residents,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Ford International Airport Authority. “The airport serves the fastest-growing region in the state, so it is essential that we continually adapt and expand our services to meet the needs of our dynamic community.”

The study was led by Christian Globker, associate professor of clinical economics at GVSU.

“Gerald R. Ford International Airport plays a vital role in facilitating air travel for the West Michigan region,” Globeker said.

The airport served a record number of passengers in 2023, with nearly 4 million passengers traveling through the facility. It is also ranked as one of the fastest growing airports in the United States by the Federal Aviation Administration, and was recently named the best small airport in the country by USA TODAY.

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