Qantas, Jetstar sign deal to fly out of Western Sydney airport on day one

Qantas and Jetstar have pledged to take off from Western Sydney International from day one of operation, as the under-construction airport hits 50 per cent completion.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced them as the first airlines to sign an agreement with the airport, which is set to open at Badgerys Creek in late 2026.

The airlines are expected to support more than 25,000 domestic flights, and four million passengers a year, under the initial agreement.

READ MORE: Police officer run over, dragged by car in WA

It will also support 700 jobs, including pilots, baggage handlers, catering, flight attendants, and other staff.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said 15 aircraft, 10 Jetstar and five Qantas, would be flying in and out of Western Sydney within the first year of operation, and that the first flights would be on "day one".

That would make it the sixth largest airport in the Qantas network.

READ MORE: 'Unusually powerful' earthquake strikes off Cairns

"I've no doubt it will be the biggest airport in the Qantas network one day," he said.

The airline is still negotiating with the airport on international and freight flights.

Albanese said the airport would change the "focus" of Sydney, with $400 million already awarded to western Sydney businesses during the construction.

READ MORE: New barrier for Aussie travellers to enter Europe

And he claimed the taxiing times would be shorter, and baggage handling more efficient, than at any other airport in Australia.

"This will be top of the range from day one," he said.

Sign up here to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.