Milwaukee Airport completes new air cargo centre

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has completed construction of a new air cargo centre in partnership with real estate developer Crow Holdings, expanding cargo handling capabilities and supporting regional economic growth.

The 337,000-square-foot facility is located at the MKE Regional Business Park on the former site of the 440th Airlift Wing. It is designed to accommodate five Boeing 747-400 aircraft simultaneously, providing additional capacity for cargo operations.

The facility aims to offer businesses an alternative to shipping goods through congested airports in Illinois, potentially helping reduce delays and transport costs for companies across Wisconsin and the surrounding region.

Construction began in February 2025 following several years of planning and collaboration between the airport and Crow Holdings.

Investment to support regional cargo growth
The project is expected to generate more than $1.3 million annually in aircraft landing fees and over $1 million in annual ground lease rents and fees. It is also expected to support job creation, attract new businesses and strengthen southeastern Wisconsin’s role in air cargo logistics.

Airport Director Brian Dranzik said the project transforms underutilised airport property into an asset for Wisconsin businesses and positions MKE to play a larger role in freight transportation.

Jack Rabenn, Managing Director at Crow Holdings, said the project had taken more than five years to reach completion. He added that outreach to potential users had continued during construction and was expected to increase now that the facility was ready for stakeholders to assess.

Public-Private Partnership
The Air Cargo Centre was developed through a public-private partnership between Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and Crow Holdings.

With construction complete, the airport aims to expand cargo operations and better serve Wisconsin’s manufacturers, suppliers and other businesses moving goods across domestic and international markets.

The development forms part of MKE’s wider effort to support transportation infrastructure and long-term economic growth across southeastern Wisconsin.