CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A new study shows the Gerald R. Ford International Airport generates a $7.7 billion annual economic impact in the 13-county West Michigan region.

The study was conducted by the Ford International Airport Authority in partnership with Grand Valley State University. Christian Glupker, clinical affiliate professor of economics at GVSU, led the study. It shows the airport supports more than 40,000jobs each year, and has a catalytic impact of $1.3 billion dollars on households. Total direct spending annually by visitors traveling through Ford International Airport was $637 million dollars, with an average daily spend of $161 per person. Here is a breakdown of the study's numbers:

40,324 jobs
$7.7 billion in economic activity
$10.3 million in fiscal impact
$1.3 billion in catalytic impact on household income

"The Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating economic growth and enhancing our community's vitality,” Airport Authority Board Chair Dan Koorndyk said. “Through our diligent and intentional efforts, we have more than doubled our economic impact since our last study was conducted in 2015 and are on track to reach our goal of $10 billion in economic activity by 2030."

He added, “We appreciate our partners at GVSU for helping to benchmark our progress so that we can continue to shape our strategic objectives to meet the evolving needs of our community.”

In 2019, the Airport announced plans for its $600 million capital expansion program known as ELEVATE, aimed at enhancing the guest experience and positioning the Airport for continued growth. The projects in this program include:

Expansion and widening of Concourse A, including the addition of eight new gates, new concession and retail options and modern amenities.
Construction of Michigan’s first consolidated rental car facility.
Expansion of the terminal curb front to consolidate all ticketing counters, implement a checked baggage inspection system to streamline operations and create a larger baggage claim space with additional carousels.
Addition of a federal inspection station to support nonstop international commercial flights.
Relocation of the air traffic control tower to accommodate terminal-area developments.
Increased parking capacity with a North Lot garage.

"As the gateway to and from West Michigan, maintaining connectivity is essential as it provides business and community partners with resources to stimulate job growth, retain employees and support local residents' livelihoods,” Ford International Airport Authority President and CEO Tory Richardson said in a news release.

"The Airport serves the fastest-growing region in the state," he said. "So, it’s imperative that we continuously adapt and expand our services to meet the needs of our dynamic community. This ensures our area remains competitive nationally in attracting talent, businesses, tourism and more to further foster a vibrant regional economy.”

Economics professor Christian Glupker said the airport has a vital role in facilitating air travel in the West Michigan region.

“However, that is not the only role the Airport has in the local region," he said. "The Airport is also an economic engine to the local economy, by generating $7.7 billion in economic activity, supporting 40,324 jobs and a $10.3 million fiscal impact.”

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

For more information and to download the full report, visit HERE.

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West Michigan's Morning News