Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and partner real estate development firm Crow Holdings celebrated the groundbreaking of its new air cargo facility on February 27. The project, which is expected to be complete in 2026, will transform the former 440th Airlift Wing, now named the MKE Regional Business Park, into a 337,000-square-foot air cargo facility that will have the capacity to accommodate five B747-400 aircrafts and include a dedicated air cargo building; a Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility; and upgraded taxiways to improve accessibility for wide-body cargo aircrafts.
The former Air Force reserve campus, which was turned over to the airport in 2008, was previously split between airport use and short-term rentals. MKE leaders noted that the new air cargo facility is expected to generate over $1.3 million in annual aircraft landing fees and over $1 million in annual ground lease rents and fees as well as attract new passenger airlines and air cargo services by lowering the operating cost for all airlines at MKE.
“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,” said Milwaukee County executive David Crowley. “Kudos to the entire airport team for pulling this project together and doing so — remarkably — at no cost to the airport or Milwaukee County taxpayers.”
“This project represents a generational investment for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport,” added MKE director Brian Dranzik. “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.”
“After close to three years of intensive efforts, and over $2 million in diligence dollars spent, we are thrilled to reach this milestone with the airport and the county,” said Crow Holdings vice president Jack Rabenn. “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. We are excited to formally kick this project off.”
