FLITE Program
A collaboration between the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, MEDC, Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines® and the West Michigan Aviation Academy.The Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship, or FLITE, provides grants and pilot-testing opportunities to companies focused on bringing emerging air travel technology solutions to market. This is one of the first airport-based initiatives in the nation that provides funding to encourage the design and development of new products and services in a live airport environment.
The Ford International Airport has identified six core focus areas for new technology advancements through FLITE:
- Automation & Analytics: Improving operational efficiency and optimization of workforce and other resources through automation and analysis of data.
- Electrification & Sustainability: Switching fossil fuel vehicles and infrastructure to electrics and other decarbonization projects.
- Safety & Security: Strengthening passenger and worker safety and security throughout the airport campus.
- Door-to-Door & Terminal Guest Experience: Improving the efficiency of getting to and from the airport and improving the pre-boarding experience.
- Advancing Aviation: Exploring the enabling infrastructure and implications of emerging commercial aviation use cases.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this grant or application process, please contact:
Janine Ward
Mobility Innovation Associate Director
Wardj2@michigan.org
Media Inquires:
For media inquires, please contact our office at OFME@michigan.org or visit the MEDC Media Room for more information.