Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) celebrated the opening of its new Air Cargo Center on Wednesday, Oct. 14, in partnership with real‑estate developer Crow Holdings. The 337,000‑square‑foot facility, located at the MKE Regional Business Park on the former 440th Airlift Wing site, gives Wisconsin businesses a home‑grown alternative to the congested Illinois airports.
Key features and economic impact
Construction began in February 2025 after years of planning and collaboration between the airport and private partners. According to the airport’s press release, the center can accommodate five Boeing 747‑400 aircraft simultaneously. It is projected to generate more than $1.3 million in annual aircraft landing fees and over $1 million in ground‑lease rents and fees each year.
Beyond direct revenue, the airport expects the cargo hub to spur job creation, attract new businesses, and strengthen the region’s position as a growing hub for air cargo operations. Local officials highlighted the facility’s role in supporting economic growth throughout Wisconsin.
Leadership comments
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and our entire region,” said Airport Director Brian Dranzik. “What began as a vision to transform underutilized airport property has become a tremendous asset for Wisconsin businesses. This facility positions MKE to play a greater role in the movement of goods while creating new opportunities for economic growth throughout the state.”
Jack Rabenn, Managing Director at Crow Holdings, added, “We are incredibly excited to see the construction phase of this project coming to an end. It has been a long, five‑plus‑year process to reach this point, and delivering the project on schedule and within budget is a tremendous accomplishment. User outreach has been ongoing throughout construction, and we expect those efforts to increase now that there is a tangible building for future air cargo stakeholders to see.”
Public‑private partnership
The Air Cargo Center exemplifies a public‑private partnership model, combining airport authority resources with private‑sector expertise and capital. Such collaborations are increasingly common in Wisconsin as local leaders seek to leverage private investment to expand infrastructure without overburdening taxpayers.
By offering a modern, spacious cargo hub, MKE aims to attract logistics firms, manufacturers, and e‑commerce distributors that require reliable, cost‑effective air freight options. The facility’s capacity to handle large aircraft reduces reliance on Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway, potentially lowering shipping costs for regional businesses.
Looking ahead
Airport officials anticipate that the new center will not only generate immediate revenue but also lay the groundwork for future expansions, such as additional warehousing, customs processing, and multimodal connections to rail and highway networks. The project aligns with broader state economic development goals that prioritize infrastructure that supports trade, job creation, and family prosperity.
Community leaders and business groups have welcomed the development, noting its potential to create well‑paying jobs and reinforce Milwaukee’s reputation as a logistics hub in the Upper Midwest.
For more information about the Air Cargo Center and upcoming opportunities for local businesses, visit the Milwaukee Mitchell Airport website or contact the airport’s economic development office.
Original reporting: FOX6 WITI – local news — read the source article.
