APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Appleton International Airport’s upcoming expansion project has Outagamie County excited about what the future holds.
The projected economic impact is expected to be big for not only the airport, but also the surrounding area.
“Certainly anytime you expand your terminal, it gives more opportunities for more flights into the area, more convenience for travelers,” said Pam Seidl, the executive director of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Heart of the Valley Travel in Appleton often has to have groups traveling together fly out of Milwaukee. But they hope the new expansion will allow travelers to leave closer to home.
“I’m hoping this will give us an opportunity for our groups to leave right from Appleton,” said Heart of the Valley Travel Owner Christine Jansen.
In 2023, ATW says it’s on track to reach nearly 950,000 arrivals and departures.
“We’ve almost doubled our passengers since 2013, so just in the last 10 years,” said Appleton International Air Service and Business Development Manager Jesse Funk.
At Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport, officials expect between 700,000 to 750,000.
Airport Director Marty Piette says he doesn’t believe Appleton’s improvements will have an impact on Green Bay.
“Each airport that is in close proximity trades a little bit of traffic between each other, but again, our bigger problems are people driving to Chicago or Minneapolis,” said Piette.
“The goal is to make the best airport possible for our travelers in Northeast Wisconsin,” said Funk.
When the new additions are complete, ATW officials say it opens the door to add new airlines.
“You know, the capacity will definitely be there for that,” added Funk.
Appleton International believes this expansion will boost its economic impact to $1 billion a year — something that is music to the ears of the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“As these visitors come, they stay in hotels, they eat at restaurants, they go to our attractions, they go to our shops,” said Seidl.
