Wisconsin’s aviation industry soars onto center stage this month

July 20 to 26 will be recognized across the Badger State as Wisconsin Aviation Week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin (TDA) are teaming up to promote, educate and celebrate the state’s aviation industry.

“Wisconsin’s airport system plays an important role in the state’s transportation network,” said WisDOT Secretary Mark Gottlieb. “It handles the needs of business, passenger, freight and recreational air transportation and enhances the economic vitality of Wisconsin’s communities.”

In 2014, 4.9 million people boarded commercial flights in Wisconsin. In addition, more than 119 million pounds of cargo were transported by air last year.

“Wisconsin’s aviation industry links our state’s residents and businesses to larger national and global markets,” said Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin Executive Director Craig Thompson.

Wisconsin’s aviation system includes more than 722 landing facilities–127 of which are public-use airports.

“Improving infrastructure is always a top priority; it’s a key performance measure in the department,” added Secretary Gottlieb. “This year there are important renovations taking place in airports around the state, from Milwaukee and Waukesha to La Crosse, and from Janesville and Racine to Green Bay and Appleton. In 2014, more than $114 million in federal and state funds supported more than 60 airport improvement projects around Wisconsin.”

In addition to the state’s commitment to high-quality aviation facilities, the industry’s workforce is moving Wisconsin forward.

“Wisconsin’s aviation industry supports more than 90,000 jobs,” Thompson added. “Aviation in Wisconsin and the related jobs generate nearly $7 billion in annual economic activity and $3.5 billion in personal income.”

Aviation Week coincides with EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh–the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.” More than half a million people from more than 60 countries attend the seven-day event at Wittman Regional Airport–celebrating the past, present and future in the world of flight.