Paper airplanes soared across the room Nov. 29 as Appleton International Airport launched a $66 million expansion that will more than double its size.
Instead of a traditional groundbreaking, the people who attended the launch event were invited to make and toss paper airplanes for the Elevate ATW project.
The 47,000-square-foot expansion of the main concourse will better serve the almost one-million passengers that use the facility annually, officials said.
Funding for the expansion is from a combination of state, federal, and regional grants and budgeted dollars.
The first phase of the terminal expansion will include the following improvements:
- The gate area will be expanded bringing the total number of gates to 10.
- There will be a connector between the existing gates and new gates, plus expanded areas for passenger boarding and a variety of seating options.
- There will be a Biergarten and an additional bar/restaurant in the gate area fo ticketed passengers.
- Ramps will be used throughout to ensure easy access for all people regardless of abilities.
- Passenger comfort is a primary goal, so there will be expanded restroom facilities, a sensory support room, a quiet room, and a service animal relief area.
Future construction phases will expand ticketing and baggage claim areas and refresh existing concourse areas in the airport. The renovation will pay special attention to sustainability in future expansion plans.
“This day is the beginning of the future of air travel for Northeast Wisconsin,” said Appleton Airport Director Abe Weber. “We are on pace to serve an anticipated 948,000 arrivals and departures by the end of this year and an expansion such as this will help us easily top the 1 million mark.”
Construction partners on the expansion are Mead & Hunt providing architecture and design and Miron Construction providing construction services. The first phase of work is expected to be complete in 2025.
“This investment in our infrastructure will make it even easier for travelers from across Wisconsin to plan vacation or business travel through Appleton,” said Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson. “Clearly the Appleton airport is an economic engine that is fueling growth in Northeast Wisconsin.”
The Appleton Airport is served by American, Delta, and United airlines and is the only Wisconsin airport served by Allegiant Airlines. These carriers offer non-stop service to 17 locations including:
- Newark, New Jersey
- Portland, Oregon
- Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Savannah/Hilton Head, Georgia
- Flights to Florida include Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Orlando/Daytona Beach, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Sarasota/Bradenton, Ft. Meyers/Punta Gorda
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Chicago, Illinois
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
- Detroit, Michigan
- Denver, Colorado
According to TSA data, the Appleton airport is the fastest growing airport in Wisconsin.
