Abele Highlights Importance of Flying from MKE

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele today released results of a study identifying the significant positive impacts that Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) and Timmerman Airports create for the state and local economies.

Overall, annual passenger and air cargo activity at Mitchell and Timmerman generates 26,038 jobs, $913.4 million of direct, induced and indirect personal income, $2.6 billion of business revenue, $95.3 million of state and local taxes, and $88.3 million of Federal aviation-specific taxes.

“Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport is our front door, and its impact on the economic success of the County, State and our region is enormous,” said Abele. “If you’re not flying from a Wisconsin airport, you’re not helping the Wisconsin economy,” he said, adding that the study found Wisconsin travelers using Chicago airports contribute hundreds of jobs and more than $200 million annually to the Illinois economy.

Abele said continued MKE aviation facility improvements will be needed to accommodate additional passengers and cargo generated by growth from the unprecedented business development in southeastern Wisconsin. “From Komatsu to Foxconn to Amazon to Uline and Haribo, MKE is ideally positioned to handle the passenger and air freight growth. Milwaukee’s economy stands to make multi-million-dollar gains if MKE handles our region’s passengers and cargo.”

Near-term passenger terminal projects include construction of a state-of-the-art International / Domestic Concourse that will house U.S. Customs and Immigration, and a full-scale refresh of retail shops and concessions to better align with the needs of today’s passenger.

The study was conducted by economic consulting firm Martin Associates.