In Response to Growing Demand, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport to Construct New Cargo Facility

Source: CBRE

Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) intends to construct a new air freight facility as an alternative to crowded hubs like Chicago O'Hare.

The proposed South Cargo Logistics Hub project will be developed by Crow Holdings on behalf of MKE and managed by CBRE. In the second half of 2024, a 288,000-square-foot facility with 74 docks and 99 trailer slots will be constructed on the tarmac.

According to CBRE, the project would offer cargo tenants a way to bypass the increased congestion and costs associated with central operations at Chicago O'Hare. Customers would also benefit from uncongested airspace, the ability to accommodate large aircraft, adaptable warehouse and office space, and connectivity to downtown Milwaukee, Chicago, Minneapolis, and beyond.

David Prell, the representative of CBRE, stated, "This exceptional chance to occupy a Class-A on-airfield product at a major airport will attract a large number of prospective tenants. Being able to meet the expectations of contemporary consumers will refocus attention on the Airport's strategic assets."

As a result of the Covid epidemic, businesses have been utilizing secondary airports to avoid congestion at major American hubs. MKE's new cargo facility intends to provide an alternate solution to satisfy the needs of modern cargo tenants who need less congestion and greater flexibility.

DB Schenker recently declared that it will continue its charter operation, citing congestion at major US airports as justification. Kuehne+Nagel also indicated that its air freight service would make a stop at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport in Alabama in order to avoid the congestion that can develop at larger airports.

The construction of a new cargo facility at MKE reflects an increasing tendency among businesses to employ secondary airports that provide greater flexibility and convenience.