Airport Cargo Facility Construction

MKE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART CARGO FACILITY

On February 27, 2025, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Crow Holdings celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, state-of-the-art air cargo facility. This project is expected to significantly improve efficiency for businesses while addressing the congestion, delays, and higher operational costs that often occur at Illinois airports.

The new facility, which will cover 337,000 square feet, will be constructed on a portion of the former 440th Airlift Wing site, now part of the MKE Regional Business Park. It will feature a dedicated air cargo building, a new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility to support transportation needs, and improvements to taxiways to facilitate access for wide-body cargo aircraft. Notably, the facility is designed to accommodate five Boeing 747-400 aircraft simultaneously, providing significant capacity for high-demand air cargo operations.

Enhancing Business Efficiency and Attracting Investment
Jack Rabenn, Vice President at Crow Holdings, shared the long-term vision for the project: “This project is a true testament of what can be achieved when public and private forces align. We believe that this project will not only be an economic catalyst for Milwaukee, but also for the entire southeastern Wisconsin region and greater Midwest as a new port of entry into the United States.”

The facility is expected to lower operating costs for all airlines at MKE, enhancing the airport’s appeal to potential passenger carriers and air cargo operators. This increased efficiency will benefit local manufacturers and businesses by enabling faster and more cost-effective transportation of raw materials and finished goods. With improved access to global markets, businesses across Wisconsin will be able to expand their reach, creating more opportunities for growth and investment in the state.

Economic Impact for the Community and Businesses
The project is poised to bring substantial economic benefits to Milwaukee County and the surrounding region. It is expected to generate over $1.3 million annually in aircraft landing fees and more than $1 million in annual ground lease rents. These revenues will bolster the local economy and create a direct financial impact on the area.

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley emphasized the broader community benefits, stating, “We all know that Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is one of the largest drivers of economic activity in Wisconsin, and this investment will lead to the creation of hundreds of jobs and have a major economic impact in our community.” He also highlighted the project’s importance to taxpayers, noting that it was made possible at no cost to the Airport or Milwaukee County taxpayers.

Looking Ahead
Brian Dranzik, Airport Director, explained the transformative potential of the project: “This public-private partnership is a win-win-win for the Airport, Milwaukee County, and manufacturers across Wisconsin. When this project is complete, builders and suppliers will be able to transport their raw materials and finished products in and out of Wisconsin more quickly and efficiently.”

The project is expected to be completed by 2026 and is seen as a crucial development that will solidify Milwaukee’s role as a key logistics and transportation hub in the Midwest. By addressing capacity limitations and streamlining cargo operations, MKE will be able to offer businesses in Wisconsin and beyond a more competitive edge in the global marketplace.

This collaboration between public and private sectors marks a milestone in the growth and modernization of the airport, with benefits rippling out to local communities, businesses, and the region as a whole.

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