With United Airlines officially returning to Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA) in May 2026 offering three daily, year-round flights to Chicago, Central Wisconsin has achieved an important milestone for regional connectivity. This milestone not only improves travel access for local residents and businesses but also strengthens the region’s competitiveness in talent retention, tourism, and economic growth.
Now, Centergy and its partners are working to build on this success through the creation of the Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund, a new regional initiative designed to expand and sustain air service in Central Wisconsin.
What Is the Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund
The Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund, also referred to as the Air Service Development Fund, is a community-driven investment fund administered by Centergy, Inc. Its purpose is to attract and retain commercial air service to the region by providing short-term financial support through a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) program.
An MRG acts as a temporary safety net for airlines launching new routes in smaller markets like Central Wisconsin by helping to offset early-stage revenue risks while passenger demand grows. This model has been used successfully across the United States to restore and expand regional air service.
Centergy serves as the fiscal facilitator for the fund by administering and disbursing dollars provided by counties, businesses, and community partners. Funds are used only if needed to support route performance and are governed by strict transparency and performance reporting standards.
Why It Matters for Central Wisconsin
Improved air service doesn’t just make travel more convenient, it drives measurable local impact across the economy.
Business Growth and Investment: Direct flights make Central Wisconsin more attractive for corporate investment, business retention, and expansion. Companies rely on reliable air service to connect with clients, suppliers, and talent across the nation.
Talent Attraction and Retention: In today’s competitive labor market, professionals and their families expect easy access to national and global destinations. More flight options help employers recruit and retain skilled workers who want to live and work in Central Wisconsin.
Tourism and Visitor Spending: The Central Wisconsin region already generates over 670 million dollars annually in visitor spending across Marathon and Portage Counties. Even a one percent increase in visitor arrivals through improved air service can generate more than 6.7 million dollars in new visitor spending and 80 to 100 additional tourism-supported jobs.
Community Prosperity: Enhanced connectivity fuels regional GDP growth, supports small businesses, and broadens access to cultural, sporting, and educational opportunities.
A Smart Regional Investment
The Aviation Fund represents a low-risk, high-impact investment in Central Wisconsin’s future.
A 500,000 dollar investment can help establish one new route with an estimated 3 million dollar annual regional impact. A 1.5 million dollar investment could support multiple routes and generate roughly 9 million dollars in annual regional impact.
By pooling resources across counties, foundations, and private partners, the fund strengthens our regional voice and ensures that Central Wisconsin remains competitive in securing future routes
to destinations such as Detroit, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Orlando, and Phoenix.
What’s Next
Centergy is fundraising for the Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund, working with partners including Marathon and Portage Counties to secure initial funds. To learn more about supporting the Aviation Fund, contact Angel Laidlaw at [email protected].
Together, we will continue to advance connectivity, economic opportunity, and quality of life across Central Wisconsin.
For more information on flights, visit www.fly-cwa.org or www.United.com.
The Central Wisconsin Aviation is made possible by Centergy, Marathon County, Portage County, and the Central Wisconsin Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund?
The Central Wisconsin Aviation Fund is a community investment initiative designed to attract and sustain commercial air service at the Central Wisconsin Airport (CWA). The fund will provide financial support through a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) program, helping airlines launch and maintain new routes in our region.
Who manages the fund?
Centergy, Inc. serves as the fiscal facilitator for the fund. Centergy will oversee the financial administration, reporting, and coordination between community partners, the airport, and participating airlines.
Why does Central Wisconsin need this fund?
Smaller regional airports like CWA face challenges attracting new flights due to limited passenger volumes and higher startup risk for airlines. The fund helps level the playing field by offering short-term revenue support as new routes establish consistent passenger demand.
What is a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG)?
An MRG is a temporary financial safety net for airlines. It covers any shortfall between the revenue a new route earns and the target revenue goal during the first 12 to 24 months. Once the route performs well, the MRG funding is no longer needed.
How long will the fund support each route?
Typically, MRG agreements last 12 to 24 months. The goal is to stabilize the route during the startup phase, after which the airline continues operations independently.
Who contributes to the fund?
Funding will come from a combination of regional partners, including Marathon and Portage Counties, local governments, foundations, businesses, and tourism and hospitality organizations. State and federal programs, such as the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), may also be leveraged for matching support but are not guaranteed.
How is the fund used?
Funds are used only if a new route does not meet its agreed revenue targets. If the airline meets or exceeds expectations, no payout occurs. All funds are managed transparently, and regular performance reports will be provided to investors and partners.
How does improved air service support local businesses and workers?
Reliable air connections make Central Wisconsin more attractive to companies considering expansion or relocation. It improves access to clients, suppliers, and national markets, which strengthens business retention and recruitment. It also helps employers attract and retain skilled workers who value convenient travel options.
What does air service have to do with tourism?
Tourism is a major part of Central Wisconsin’s economy, generating more than $670 million in annual visitor spending. Even a small increase in visitors through improved air access can add millions of dollars in new economic activity and dozens of new tourism-related jobs.
How is risk managed?
The fund is structured to minimize public and private risk. Payments are only made when route performance falls below agreed revenue targets. Centergy manages the fund with full transparency, compliance, and quarterly reporting to all partners.
What destinations are being considered for future service?
This is based on negotiations with the airline services. More information will be provided once available.
When will the fund begin operation?
Once the $500,000 is raised the Fund negotiations will begin. Ideally, the goal would be for the service to start in 2026.
How can organizations get involved or contribute?
Centergy is currently connecting with regional partners, businesses, and foundations interested in supporting this initiative. Contributions to the fund help strengthen Central Wisconsin’s connectivity and long-term economic growth.