Five companies will have the opportunity to test their technologies at the Grand Rapids-based airport, from electric cargo trikes to AI-run baggage delivery tubes.
“A laboratory if you will for companies to take their products to the next level.”
Alex Peric is the COO of the Ford International Airport Authority and says the companies can come from anywhere in the world and are chosen based on how they meet needs in various categories.
“Automation and analytics, door-to-door and terminal guest experience, electrification and sustainability, safety and security, and overall advancing aviation.”
One of those companies is Synaptic Aviation which uses artificial intelligence to monitor activity on the apron where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded and refueled.
Vice President of Global Sales Justin Kester says its like having an extra 40 pairs of eyes to evaluate what’s happening and the data gathered drives solutions.
“What that does is make it more efficient, gets that flight turned around quicker. That way the airline and airport can get maybe an extra 1-2 flights in per day in which is extra revenue for them.”
The FLITE program has supported more than 30 companies in its seven rounds so far.
It partners with Avflight Grand Rapids, Southwest Airlines, the West Michigan Aviation Academy and Seamless Ventures as well as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
