Development Opportunities
Grow at West Michigan Regional Airport
The Airport Authority is leasing land parcels for development on-site for aviation and aerospace-related businesses. While the airfield at the West Michigan Regional Airport is open to charter flights and offers storage for private planes, it isn’t a commercial airport. Businesses and other organizations flying through WMRA enjoy prompt runway access, avoiding leisure travelers otherwise encountered at larger airports.
Tenant Testimonials
We looked a lot for a location to set up shop, to make our home base. And just the energy that came out of West Michigan Regional was exceptional, something we weren’t finding other places.
I really enjoy not only flying out of the airport but just being here. Grabbing a lawn chair and watching airplanes come and go. Talking with pilots as they come and go. I think that cool community brings a lot of fun culture around the airport.
Choose West Michigan
Aerospace in West Michigan
West Michigan’s aerospace industry growth is supported by local colleges and university programs in aerospace engineering, technology and research.
Established Industry
West Michigan has 147 aerospace companies & organizations.
ES9100 Certifications
Over 70 of the manufacturers are AS9100 certified.
Employs nearly 24,000
Our dynamic aerospace industry employs nearly 24,000 residents and is growing rapidly.
Growing Industry
Between 2017 & 2018 the aerospace industry grew by 10.1%. Three times the national rate.
Supportive Business Network
West Michigan is home to an active and collaborative business community full of industry professionals eager to network and create new business opportunities. WMRA is active with the West Coast Chamber of Commerce and Lakeshore Advantage. And is also within reasonable distance of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce, the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce and more.
Access to Major Transportation
West Michigan is home to a wide variety of transportation options, including for travelers, cargo, and freight. All available parcels are located within 3 miles of freeway I-196, 4 miles from Holland’s train station, and 6 miles from the nearest marina on Lake Macatawa, which connects directly to Lake Michigan.
WMRA is also centrally located on the lakeshore, surrounded by the state’s major industries including automotive, agriculture, furniture and aerospace. Companies and organizations residing on airport property have an excellent chance to expand into an opportunity-rich market.
Locally-Owned & Operated Utilities
Each parcel has easy access to electric, fiber internet, sewer, storm and water. All utilities are locally owned and operated, so businesses can expect increased reliability for utilities, faster fixes, and greater responsiveness.
Opportunity Zone
Portions of Holland fall into the MSHDA’s Allegan County Opportunity Zone. According to the MSHDA, these zones are meant to incentivize patient capital investments in select Michigan communities, providing preferential tax treatment to the companies and organizations who invest in those communities. Companies investing in developing property at WMRA have the opportunity to take advantage of these tax incentives.
Holland SmartZone
Facilitated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan’s SmartZones are pre-defined geographic locations rich in community assets and resources that could help new and emerging businesses flourish. WMRA is near the Holland SmartZone, with business acceleration efforts led by Lakeshore Advantage.
Qualifying Aerospace Industries
- Aerospace Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Aircraft Maintenance & Repair
- Cleaning
- Hospitality & Catering
- Freight & Cargo
- Aircraft Storage
- Innovation
- & More.
Youth Engagement
WMRA partners with two local nonprofits helping kid’s interest in aviation take flight. Flight Path includes VR flights on the Redbird simulator, cockpit tours on real planes, and presentations from aviation professionals. STEM Flights engages students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics necessary for a career in aviation. We’re excited to see how these two programs foster the future workforce of aviation.
Flight Times to Major Airports
Airport |
Travel Time |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) | 1 hr 30 min |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | 4 hrs 9 min |
| O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | 48 min |
| Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) | 2 hrs 3 min |
| Denver International Airport (DEN) | 2 hrs 12 min |
Learn More About Developing at WMRA
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