Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has opened a new air cargo center to boost freight capacity in south-eastern Wisconsin and offer businesses an alternative to congested cargo gateways in neighboring Illinois.
Developed in partnership with real estate investor and developer Crow Holdings, the 337,000-square-foot facility is located in the MKE Regional Business Park on the site of the former 440th Airlift Wing. It is designed to accommodate five Boeing 747-400 aircraft at a time, increasing the capacity for air freight operations.
The hope is the new infrastructure will help companies across Wisconsin and the region get their goods to market more efficiently, potentially avoiding delays and transportation costs associated with busier airports in Illinois.
Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2025 after years of planning and coordination between the airport and Crow Holdings.
Investment set to strengthen regional freight activity
Beyond expanding cargo-handling capacity, the project is expected to generate significant recurring revenue for the airport. MKE anticipates more than $1.3 million annually in aircraft landing fees, alongside over $1 million a year in ground lease rents and other fees.
The development is also expected to support job creation, attract new businesses and reinforce southeastern Wisconsin’s position in the air cargo logistics sector.
Airport Director Brian Dranzik said the project turns underutilised airport property into a valuable asset for Wisconsin businesses. He also highlighted its potential to give MKE a greater role in freight transportation and support the region’s commercial activity.
Jack Rabenn, Managing Director at Crow Holdings, said the project had taken more than five years to reach completion. Engagement with prospective users continued throughout construction, he explained, with that outreach expected to accelerate now that the facility is ready for stakeholders to evaluate.
Public-private partnership drives airport development
The Air Cargo Centre was delivered through a public-private partnership between Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Crow Holdings, combining the airport’s infrastructure with private-sector real estate development expertise.
With construction now complete, MKE intends to expand its cargo operations and better serve Wisconsin’s manufacturers, suppliers and other businesses transporting goods across domestic and international markets.
The new centre forms part of the airport’s broader strategy to strengthen transportation infrastructure and contribute to long-term economic growth across southeastern Wisconsin.
