New facility strengthens Wisconsin’s cargo capabilities and supports regional economic growth

 

MILWAUKEE (October 14, 2026) – Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE), in partnership with Crow Holdings, celebrated the completion of its new state-of-the-art air cargo facility with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 14. The milestone marks a significant investment in Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure, creating new opportunities for businesses to move goods more efficiently throughout the country and around the world.

 

Located at the MKE Regional Business Park on the site of the former 440th Airlift Wing, the new 337,000-square-foot facility provides an alternative for businesses seeking to avoid the congestion, delays, and higher costs associated with shipping cargo through Illinois airports.

 

Construction began in February 2025, following years of planning and collaboration. The Air Cargo Center has the capacity to accommodate five Boeing 747-400 aircraft simultaneously and is expected to generate more than $1.3 million in annual aircraft landing fees, along with more than $1 million in annual ground lease rents and fees. The project is also expected to support job creation, attract new business, and strengthen the region’s position as a growing hub for air cargo operations.

 

“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.”

 

The project represents a public-private partnership between MKE Airport and Crow Holdings. “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”, said Jack Rabenn, Managing Director at Crow Holdings. “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.”

 

With construction now complete, the Air Cargo Center positions MKE to expand its cargo operations, better serve Wisconsin manufacturers and suppliers, and support long-term economic development throughout southeastern Wisconsin and beyond.

 

For 100 years, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport has connected travelers to destinations across the country and around the world. Today, MKE offers nonstop flights to more than 30 U.S. cities, with access to over 200 international destinations via one convenient connection. The Airport is served by Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United. A complete list of nonstop cities can be found at flymke.com.

 

MKE, the recipient of the 2021 and 2022 ASQ Best Airport – North America awards for outstanding customer experience, is owned by Milwaukee County and operated by the Department of Transportation, under the policy direction of the Milwaukee County Executive and the County Board of Supervisors. MKE is funded entirely by user fees; no property tax dollars are used for the Airport’s capital improvements or day-to-day operation.