Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is officially open for business, with its first commercial freight flights taking off from its new 24-hour cargo precinct.
The launch marks a milestone for Australia’s supply chains, domestic producers and manufacturers, and Western Sydney’s air cargo capacity. WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the cargo hub would create opportunities across Greater Sydney’s businesses, workers and supply chains.
“Air freight underpins many of NSW’s highest-value industries including fresh meat and seafood, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, advanced manufacturing and more,” Hickey said. “These industries rely on rapid international connections that can only be serviced by air freight, with our 24-hour cargo precinct initially capable of moving about a quarter of a million tonnes (metric tons) of freight per year, which is a massive boost to Sydney’s overall air cargo capacity.”
The cargo precinct has dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road and is close to freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and Wetherill Park, with connectivity bolstered by the recently opened M12 and M7 motorway integration. Stage one can accommodate eight 747/777 freighters or 16 737/A320 domestic freighters simultaneously. Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo, dnata Catering & Retail, and Texel Air have signed on as partners, with the precinct expected to eventually handle up to 1.8 million metric tons of air cargo annually.
Federal minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government Catherine King said the precinct was expected to generate billions of dollars in new export revenue. “The trials at the freight precinct are now complete, with Western Sydney International Airport commencing operations today and welcoming its first freight flights,” she said, adding that the airport’s first passenger flights are set to begin on October 25.
WSI is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years and has driven broader infrastructure investment, including in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which is expected to support 200,000 jobs and a A$31bn (US$22bn) investment pipeline.
Qantas CEO of international and freight Cam Wallace said, “It’s a historic day for aviation in Australia as our first freight services take off from Western Sydney International Airport. This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world.”
He added that the freight terminal’s opening comes ahead of Jetstar‘s first passenger services in October and Qantas services early next year.
Recent news, DHL Group and Longi Solar sign MoU on renewable energy and logistics