Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport cargo facility groundbreaking

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport kicked off construction on a new cargo facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.

What they're saying:

The new facility aims to provide a more efficient alternative for businesses looking to avoid congestion, delays, and higher costs associated with operating at Illinois airports.

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The project will transform a significant portion of the former 440th Airlift Wing, now known as the MKE Regional Business Park, into a 337,000-square-foot air cargo facility. It will also include a new Milwaukee County Highway Maintenance Facility and enhancements to adjacent taxiways at the airport.

When completed, the new air cargo facility will have the capacity to accommodate five Boeing 747-400 planes at the same time. 

Rendering of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport cargo project

What's next:

The new facility is projected to be completed in 2026.

Local perspective:

The project expects to generate over $1.3 million in annual aircraft landing fees and more than $1 million in annual ground lease rents and fees, according to the airport.

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In addition to benefits for businesses and consumers, the airport said the public-private project is also expected to create new jobs and generate demand for the redevelopment and revitalization of nearby neighborhoods.

The airport said the project also has the potential to attract new passenger airlines and destinations, as well as air cargo services, by lowering the overall operating cost for all airlines at MKE.