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GRR sets new passenger record in 2015

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport set a new record for passengers flying in and out of West Michigan.

The number of people departing and arriving at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in 2015 was more than 2.5 million. That travel volume shattered the old record by more than 215,000 passengers. A not-so-old record set in 2014.

GFIA tells us that’s an increase of 9.2 percent. It’s a reflection of growing air traffic at the Cascade Township airport where over the past three years 7.1 million travellers have been served.

GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks explains, “The strong growth is also drawing the attention of our airline partners as we work with them to add seats and flights to both existing and new destinations…”

Construction of the airport’s Gateway Transformation Project construction that began in December of 2015 and scheduled for completion in 2017 will help to accommodate a growing number of passengers by consolidating security checkpoints and screening while also improving airport amenities.

Patrick joined WGVU Public Media in December, 2008 after eight years of investigative reporting at Grand Rapids' WOOD-TV8 and three years at WYTV News Channel 33 in Youngstown, Ohio. As News and Public Affairs Director, Patrick manages our daily radio news operation and public interest television programming. An award-winning reporter, Patrick has won multiple Michigan Associated Press Best Reporter/Anchor awards and is a three-time Academy of Television Arts & Sciences EMMY Award winner with 14 nominations.