According to a press release from the Office of the County Executive, readers of Conde Nast Traveler ranked General Mitchell fifth best in the nation in the magazine's October issue.,”Milwaukee County's General Mitchell International Airport recently achieved recognition for excellence on a national scale.
According to a press release from the Office of the County Executive, readers of Conde Nast Traveler ranked General Mitchell fifth best in the nation in the magazine's October issue. On top of this honor, General Mitchell also received the most first-place rankings in individual categories of any airport in the nation. The airport earned firstplace rankings in ease of connections, customs/baggage and safety/security.
"It's very exciting to be acknowledged in a national magazine, especially in a reader poll," said Pat Rowe, with General Mitchell public relations. "Some other airports you have to change concourses. Here it is a much more compact area."
Rowe also referenced the fact that Midwest Airlines uses Milwaukee as a hub, which is convenient for passengers as well.
"It's an excellent nonstop air service," Rowe said.
According to the press release, General Mitchell services 12 airlines, encouraging price competition. The release also said airfares are often cheaper out of General Mitchell than out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, the parking is cheaper and the drive can be shorter.
"People contrast our airport and know it is good," said David Fantle, vice president of public relations for VISIT Milwaukee.
He added that "having a convenient air infrastructure is an important factor in bringing groups to Milwaukee," which increases air traffic through Milwaukee and area tourism.
Gov. Jim Doyle recently approved a $5.5 million project to enhance the airport's safety and efficiency, according to a press release from the Department Of Transportation's office of public affairs.
"Many projects are always going on at General Mitchell International Airport," said Wendy Hottenstein, a WisDot Airport Development engineer.
Hottenstein added that the project calls for construction on the outer taxiway and pavement repairs.
Airport traffic through General Mitchell is increasing, along with tourism in Milwaukee. According to the Office of the County Executive press release, 7.3 million travelers passed through General Mitchell in 2005, which is a more than 9 percent increase from 2004.
The importance of having a well maintained, up-to-date airport is certainly a factor in both encouraging tourism and bolstering the local economy.
"Infrastructure is vital to our economy," Fantle said. He added that continued growth is important and Milwaukee County development "can't stay stagnant."
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