Mitchell International Airport breaks ground on new cargo facility

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Part of Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport will undergo a big transformation that is expected to spike airport revenue.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Thursday, Feb. 27 for the airport's new state-of-the-art cargo facility.

It will be at the site of the former 440th Airlift Wing, now known as the MKE Regional Business Park.

The goal is to provide an alternative to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport for businesses transporting cargo - one that's faster and cheaper.

Mitchell International Airport director Brian Dranzik says it will benefit everyone, including travelers.

"We have heavy aircraft, heavy-weighted aircraft coming in here landing and providing that additional fee, which lowers the operational costs for air carriers like Southwest, Delta," Dranzik said. "That's really a huge impact for the airport that makes us more competitive and hopefully will get more flights over time."

The 337,000 square foot space will include a dedicated air cargo building, a new highway maintenance facility, and can accommodate up to five 747 aircrafts at a time.

The facility is expected to open in 2026.