January 21st 2026 Ford International Airport FLITE Program Announces Selection of Companies to Test Air Travel Solutions

$170K in Grants Awarded to Innovative Air Travel Solutions

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 21, 2026 - The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, in partnership with Avflight Grand Rapids, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Seamless Ventures, Southwest Airlines® and the West Michigan Aviation Academy, 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 Alex Peric, Chief Operating Officer of the Ford International Airport Authority. "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, a first-of-its-kind program in the aviation industry, is helping 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 though AI indoor mapping to enhance accessibility for travelers.
• 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, defense, 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 Dakoyta Greenman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Westwood AI. "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."

As Michigan's lead advocate for business development, job creation and community growth, the MEDC has played a key role in fostering innovation. Through the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), the MEDC has provided grant funding to support the companies participating in FLITE, to further the program's mission and drive advancements in Michigan's vibrant mobility and technology sectors.

The six companies will pilot their technologies at Ford International Airport this season:

• 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 wingwalking 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 Joseph Meszaros, Vice President of Operations for Avflight. "Through this round of FLITE, Avflight is excited to host Airtrek's autonomous wingwalking technology to conduct a proof-of-concept project at our Grand Rapids location, evaluating its real-world performance."

FLITE has supported more than 40 projects, awarding over $1.5 million in total grant funds across nine rounds.

Applications for the next round of FLITE are being accepted now through June 30, 2026, at michiganbusiness.org/mobility-funding.

About the Gerald R. Ford International Airport

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport is Michigan's second-busiest airport, serving more than four million passengers annually with eight commercial airline partners offering nonstop flights to over 35 destinations. Managed and operated by the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, the airport supports over 40,000 jobs in the region and contributes more than $7 billion to the local economy each year. For more information, visit flyford.org or follow the airport on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram @FlyGRFord.

# # #