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.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Contact Information

If you have questions about this grant or application process, please contact:

Charlie Tyson
Technology Activations Director
[email protected]

Media Inquires:
For media inquires, please contact our office at [email protected] or visit the MEDC Media Room for more information.