Milwaukee Mitchell Airport completes new air cargo centre with Crow Holdings

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) has completed construction of a new air cargo centre in partnership with real estate developer Crow Holdings. 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 and add cargo capacity.

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. The facility aims to offer businesses an alternative to shipping through congested Illinois airports, potentially reducing delays and transport costs.

Construction began in February 2025 after several years of planning and collaboration. Airport Director Brian Dranzik said the project turns underutilised airport property into an asset for Wisconsin businesses and positions MKE to play a larger role in freight transportation. Crow Holdings Managing Director Jack Rabenn said the project had taken more than five years to reach completion and that outreach to potential users continued during construction and is expected to increase now that the facility is ready for stakeholders to assess.