The situation?
For years, Wisconsin has lacked an air cargo hub that matches the scope and efficiency of major facilities, such as Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, forcing Badger State businesses to rely on out-of-state operations.

A new multimillion-dollar air cargo facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport makes use of the underutilized former 440th Airlift Wing campus, transferred to the airport in 2008. This site, now known as the MKE Regional Business Park, has mainly been vacant over the years. Construction of this new facility will transform this underdeveloped space into a vital logistics hub for Wisconsin businesses.

What is the project, and how does it benefit the community?
The development includes a state-of-the-art 337,000-square-foot cargo facility capable of simultaneously accommodating up to five Boeing 747-400 aircraft. It features enhancements to taxiways for wide-body cargo planes and a new Milwaukee County highway maintenance facility to support transportation needs. The county expects the project to generate over $1.3 million annually in aircraft landing fees and more than $1 million in ground lease rents and other revenue sources.

This new facility will improve manufacturers’ logistics, enable raw materials and finished goods to move in and out of Wisconsin more quickly and efficiently, and attract new passenger airlines, destinations, and air cargo services by lowering the airport’s operating costs. The facility will position Milwaukee as a competitive player in regional air cargo logistics and strengthen Milwaukee’s global connectivity. Finally, the county expects the investment to create hundreds of jobs at the airport and surrounding neighborhoods, as complementary businesses support the growing air cargo operations.

What makes the investment possible?
This $75 million project is made possible through a public-private partnership between Milwaukee County, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, and Crow Holdings. In addition, grants from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program for the taxiway improvements and from the state of Wisconsin will cover $11.2 million of the total bill. The project comes at no cost to Milwaukee County taxpayers.

What’s the status?
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in February 2025. Construction is currently underway, with completion projected for 2026.