OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Volare Hangars released preliminary site renderings for its planned development at the Oshkosh Aviation Park at Wittman Regional Airport.
Last month, Winnebago County signed a resolution authorizing a 47-acre lease with Volare Hangars. The county is leasing the space to Volare for 50 years, which means there’s no cost for taxpayers.
The initial concept includes multiple buildings featuring approximately 200-by-200-foot aviation business space, large corporate and business hangars measuring 150-by-150 feet and 85-by-85 feet, as well as midsize and personal hangars in a variety of configurations, including 60-by-60-foot, 70-by-60-foot, and 50-by-40-foot layouts.
“This is a prime location for people just like us, and other pilots, enthusiasts, and businesses to have a home base here at Oshkosh right across the way from EAA AirVenture with rooftop decks viewing the airshow,” said Volare Hangars co-owner Johnny Panfil.
The development also includes plans for a fuel farm, taxiway, gate entry, gated long term parking, and aircraft wash bay to support the aviation park.
There will also be rooftop viewing decks featuring views year-round as well as during EAA AirVenture. Customizable buildouts will cater to a variety of aviation uses with direct taxiway access to Wittman Regional Airport.
Adjacent property to the east of Aeroinnovate Way is planned for complementary businesses and mixed-use development, creating additional opportunities within the Oshkosh Aviation Park. The final site plan will continue to evolve throughout the planning process in response to market demand and future development opportunities.
“We think Oshkosh is a growing market, and we think they are primed to become a great centralized hub in Wisconsin. Not just for entertainment, not just for business, but for everything involved,” Panfil said.
The addition, according to Tricia Rathermel with Greater Oshkosh Economic Development Corporation, is more than just growth for the airport.
“We are absolutely hoping to see some additional manufacturing coming in especially tied to aviation, whether it be parts or avionics,” she explained. “We’re hoping to see some people who actually want to do aircraft assembly here so we can add that to our base as well.”
Wittman Airport Director Jim Schell agrees.
“A lot of their hangars that they’re going to deliver on are going to be well suited to bring in a variety of those types of businesses, create jobs in the community, expand the aerospace sector here in the Fox Valley, and really do it at a high level,” he said.
Construction of the hangars is anticipated to begin in 2028, subject to final approvals, infrastructure improvements, and market conditions.
According to the agreement, the lease would generate just over $700,000 annually in county revenue by attracting new pilots, jobs, businesses and visitors from all over the world.
