GREENVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) – Appleton International Airport (ATW) is flying high after a recent study revealed the airport now contributes nearly $2 billion to the region’s economy, nearly triple its impact from just a decade ago.
The last economic impact study, conducted in 2015, reported $676 million in total economic activity. In 2024, that number has skyrocketed, reflecting ATW’s rapid growth and expanding role in regional development.
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According to the new study, ATW supported 7,626 jobs last year, more than double the 3,267 jobs reported in 2015. These positions include airport operations, tenant companies, jobs supported by visitor spending, and roles across supply chain sectors.
The study also found that the airport generated $1.3 billion in direct business sales, compared to $432 million in 2015. That includes spending from airport operations and visitor activity, which further stimulates the economy through business-to-business purchases and employee wages.
In total, the airport’s tax impact reached $325.4 million, including $205.1 million in state and local taxes, demonstrating its substantial contribution to public revenues.
“It is clear the airport is our most valuable economic engine,” said Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson. “Our growth has a multiplier effect on the region and supports our continued investment in the expansion of services and facilities. The airport provides nationwide access to businesses and consumers and that makes the Fox Cities a great place to live and do business.”
The study measured direct, indirect, and induced impacts across Outagamie, Brown, Winnebago, and Calumet counties.
Airport Director Abe Weber credited the airport’s success to innovation, leadership, and community support.
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“Our continued success is due to innovative leadership on the governmental level and the dedication of our team members to service,” said Weber. “Our promise to our customers is to make air travel faster, easier, and more convenient, and our promise to the community is to continue to provide economic opportunities and continued growth.”
Since the 2015 report, Appleton International Airport has celebrated several major milestones:
- Served over 1 million passengers for the first time
- Increased average daily departures from 13 to 21
- Doubled employment
- Completed a $66 million concourse expansion
- Continued renovations to the original concourse and front drive lanes
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The airport, which opened in 1965, now offers service through Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines, with 21 nonstop destinations and growing.
“Thanks to the continued investment of our airline partners, we have been able to expand our flights, destinations, and routes we offer consumers,” added Weber. “And to accommodate the growth in routes, we have expanded our facilities to host larger planes and increased passenger traffic.”
