Ford Airport Unveils New Gates and Amenities in Concourse A

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has opened the first phase of its $110 million expansion project today, featuring eight new gates and new retail and concession areas for Concourse A. The concourse is expected to serve American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

The expansion is part of the ELEVATE program, which aims to improve the guest experience and position the airport for continued growth. The project added 155,000 square feet of space to the airport, as well as a new companion care restroom with an adult changing table. The airport also partnered with several local businesses to reflect the look, feel and culture of West Michigan.

The new concession and retail concepts include Aletitude, a beer garden; Freddy’s, a burger joint; Uccello’s Ristorante, an Italian eatery; Blue Bridge Market, which features local cuisine from Madcap Coffee Company and Nantucket Bakery; and Thornapple Essentials, a news and gifts stand.

The airport also showcased artwork from local artists George Eberhardt III, Kim Nguyen, Maureen Nollette and Michael Pfleghaar, as well as custom terrazzo flooring and a suspended art installation.

The airport will now move on to the second phase of the project, which will close the gates of the existing portion of Concourse A to undergo widening and renovations, add a second-level executive lounge and additional amenities for passengers. The second phase is expected to be completed in 2024.

“The Airport is the first view guests see when they come into town and the last moment they’ll remember when they leave so we worked hard to create a concourse that reflects the spirit of our community coupled with the hospitality we’re known for,” said Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson.