Episode description

In the latest episode of “Talking Trade,” Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport Director Brian Dranzik discusses an ongoing expansion project aimed at improving cargo shipping. 

“We’re well on our way to groundbreaking hopefully at the end of this year,” he said, adding the cargo facility will have capacity for five 747-class aircraft at any given time. “Which hopefully will provide some relief for those who are moving cargo freight from Wisconsin and northern Illinois.” 

Dranzik describes the project as “pretty uphill task” but said interest has risen over time as airport officials have ramped up messaging and engaged with trade conferences. 

“A lot of interest, I think, from domestic and international carriers,” he said. “I think it’s just going to come to the point where it’s a ‘if you build it, they will come’ scenario, hopefully. That’s the track where we’re on right now.” 

He said smaller operators or those with specific needs may be interested in using the new Milwaukee cargo center, as an alternative to the larger Chicago O’Hare International Airport across the state’s southern border. 

“We do have to advertise Milwaukee as a city that stands on its own, which it does … We probably lose about 2 million or so passengers to Chicago. We know that, but at the same time, we have sufficient traffic levels here,” he said. 

Dranzik also noted the Milwaukee area benefits from less congested airspace than the Chicago airport, which may give some carriers more confidence for choosing the smaller airport as a freight alternative. 

“It’s kind of a first mover thing,” he said. “Once we get one in the door, we feel confident that others will follow.” 

Talking Trade is hosted by E.M Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel.