Summary:
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport announces ninth FLITE cohort, awarding more than $170,000 in grant funding to six startups piloting next-generation aviation technologies.
- Airport-led innovation programme accelerates autonomous, AI and sustainable solutions, spanning wayfinding, ground handling, security, snow removal and airfield operations.
- Live pilot-testing at an operational airport environment enables real-world validation of technologies designed to enhance passenger experience, safety, efficiency and decarbonisation.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport – a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub – in partnership with Avflight Grand Rapids, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines, and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, has announced the ninth cohort of companies selected to receive more than $170,000 in total grant funding through the Ford Launchpad for Innovative Technologies and Entrepreneurship (FLITE).
“We’re excited to introduce the six dynamic companies who will begin testing their air travel solutions at the Ford International Airport,” said Ford International Airport Authority Chief Operating Officer Alex Peric. “These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to innovation and progress for the future of aviation, and we look forward to another round of pilot-testing.”
FLITE aims to help shape the future of aviation by providing grant funding and pilot-testing opportunities to companies developing air travel technologies and services. The six companies in this round include:
- GoodMaps: Advances wayfinding and emergency alerts through AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travellers.
- Kodiak Technologies: Develops electric and hybrid-electric heavy-duty snow removal equipment to reduce emissions and strengthen airport operations.
- Pratt Miller: Provides advanced engineering services and solutions across mobility, defence, and motorsports, including expertise in vehicle robotics.
- TractEasy: Provides operational solutions using its autonomous tow tractor to improve safety and efficiency in airport ground operations.
- Westwood AI: Enhances autonomous operations through AI-enabled systems that support security and critical infrastructure.
- Airtrek Robotics: Advances aviation safety and reliability by streamlining the ground handling process through robotics and AI.
“As a Michigan‑based company, we are committed to strengthening the region’s aviation and technology ecosystem through local partnerships, workforce development, and pathways for domestic manufacturing,” said Westwood AI Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dakoyta Greenman. “This collaboration with FLITE reflects our broader commitment to delivering mission‑ready autonomous solutions that are easy to adopt, cost‑effective to operate, and built to meet the evolving needs of airports and commercial stakeholders across the country.”
The six companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport:
- GoodMaps will test a new smartphone-based emergency and safety alerts system to assess performance in real-world operations and refine the guest experience in alignment with ADA and FAA communication requirements.
- Kodiak Technologies will validate hybrid-electric snow-removal performance in winter operations and conduct duty-cycle analysis to inform scalable fleet electrification strategies.
- Pratt Miller will demonstrate a dual-use autonomous robotic platform that performs perimeter security monitoring and foreign object debris collection to enhance operations.
- TractEasy will deploy its autonomous baggage tractor to demonstrate how autonomous towing can improve ramp safety and operational consistency.
- Westwood AI will deploy its Runway Ranger airfield operations tool to test how to streamline runway safety, infrastructure readiness, and best maintenance practices.
- Airtrek Robotics will demonstrate autonomous wing-walking robots to test in a real-world FBO setting.
“FLITE provides opportunities for us to test new and emerging technologies and gain early access to insights and knowledge,” said Avflight Vice President of Operations Joseph Meszaros. “Through this round of FLITE, Avflight is excited to host Airtrek’s autonomous wing-walking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at our Grand Rapids location, evaluating its real-world performance.”
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