Aeronautics

The Department of Aeronautics manages and operates the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA). GFIA is served by 7 passenger airlines with 112 daily scheduled non-stop flights to and from 21 major market destinations. GFIA also serves as a significant general aviation base and regional air cargo hub.

The airport has its own police, fire, and maintenance departments. Policy and general oversight of GFIA is the responsibility of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board, a seven-member body appointed by the Board of Commissioners. GFIA receives no General Fund allocations. The department's operational requirements are met through rates and charges assessed to airport tenants and patrons for the use of airport services and facilities. The airport's capital requirements are met through earned surpluses, revenue bonds, passenger facility charges, and state and federal grants. In 2012, GFIA served over 2.13 million passengers and processed more than 81 million pounds of air cargo and mail.

Strategic Goals

• Participate in the economic development and planning efforts of the region
• Continue to respond to changing economic and community demand, adjusting services accordingly
• Budget and operate without the use of Kent

Operational Goals

• Provide a safe, secure, efficient and user-friendly facility that is well maintained and aesthetically pleasing, providing the amenities needed by the traveling public and transportation service companies supporting scheduled passenger and cargo airline service
• Provide safe, secure, operationally efficient and userfriendly facilities for general aviation businesses providing aircraft parking, fueling, sales, flight training, charter, repair and other associated activities by aircraft not operated by scheduled passenger air carriers, cargo air carriers or the military
• Provide facility inspection, routine maintenance and light construction services for Department facilities such as buildings, parking lots, roadways, runways, ramps, aprons, lighting systems and signage systems
• Provide the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board with management oversight and policy implementation for the operations, maintenance, safety, security, marketing, communications, development and financing functions of Department of Aeronautics facilities, including the Gerald R Ford International Airport

Selected Performance Measures (PDF) »