Avflight is adding an FBO at the Gerald R Ford International airport in Michigan, US. The airport's authority board has unanimously approved the addition, enabling the handling company to offer a wide range of services including fuel sales, hangar storage, aircraft ground handling services, de-icing and concierge services.

Avflight is a Michigan-based company and already operates at 21 other airports across North America and Europe, six of which are in Michigan. The move will create 30 new jobs and make a US$6-7 million capital investment at the airport as part of the agreement, establishing a world-class FBO serving both general aviation and the airlines.

The FBO will be located at Site 4 on the airport's east side with convenient access to the terminal and taxiways/runways. Avflight will lease a five-acre shovel-ready site and build a hangar at least 30,000 sq ft in size. Construction will begin later this year.

“We look forward to serving as a premier gateway to the Grand Rapids community for general and business aviation, welcoming traffic to the metro area and helping the economy thrive,” says VP of finance Garrett Hain. “The planned facility will include all the comfortable amenities to which the modern traveller is accustomed in a high-end FBO, including a pilot lounge, spacious, modern lobby, conference room, kitchenette, maintenance area, catering kitchen and office space.”

Airport interim president and CEO Brian Picardat adds: “We consider the new FBO a highest and best use development. The new FBO will anchor and stimulate additional aeronautical and non-aeronautical real estate development at the site.”

Gerald R Ford International airport has approximately 900 acres of available land divided into 16 sites of varying sizes for hospitality, business park, industrial, office, distribution and research and development.