A TSA security checkpoint at Appleton International Airport in Greenville is seen June 16, 2021. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREENVILLE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Construction is nearing completion on the new concourse with several additional gates expected to be open for next month’s NFL Draft.
As the need and popularity for air travel in and out of Appleton International Airport grows, so does its terminal.
A nearly 47,000-square foot addition, which is twice the size of the existing concourse, is almost complete. The new space doubling the number of boarding gates at ATW from five to at least ten.
“We’ll have the opportunity to be able to serve many more aircraft, more routes, and if there’s new airlines that come in we’ll be able to accommodate them with this concourse expansion,” said airport director, Abe Weber.
Everything from the stone and woodwork to the carpet and paint, in the addition, falls in line with the airport’s sustainability master plan.
ATW looking to become one of only a handful of airports across the country with LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, all steps taken to improve not only the traveler experience but also their health.
“Bringing in natural daylight is one prime example. Connecting people with the environment reduces stress and anxiety,” said Theresa Lehman, director of sustainable services for Miron Construction.
Plenty of people travel in and out of ATW. In 2024, more than a million passengers used the Appleton airport.
The County Executive calling the facility an economic development machine that supports 3-thousand jobs in the community and generates about 700-million dollars worth of economic activity each year.
According to County Executive Tom Nelson, “There are very few industries that are not touched by this airport. There are very few businesses that can say their livelihood is not supported in some part by this airport.”
Looking to next month, when three of the five new gates will be open in time for the NFL Draft, airport officials say they’ll see 60-plus flights a day.
While the goal was always to have the expansion completed in time for the NFL Draft, its impact will be felt for decades to come.
“When the question is asked, is this all about the draft? The draft is a major milestone for our community, but I think looking back it’s going to be an important marker that shows really when this airport continue to reach new heights,” added Nelson.
While the majority of the expansion will be completed in time for the Draft, airport officials expect the entire project to be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
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