Major milestone as Australia’s newest airport starts operations
Updated . First published
Australia’s newest airport has reached a major milestone, with cargo operations officially taking off on Monday.
The new state-of-the-art, 24-hour Cargo Precinct at Western Sydney International Airport is the first step in the opening of the new airport, which will welcome passenger flights from October.
Western Sydney International Airport’s new cargo precinct is officially up and running. Supplied
Stage one of the Precinct will be able to cater for 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 to WSI’s Cargo Precinct, which will eventually grow to service up to 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually.
“This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world,” Qantas CEO of International and Freight Cam Wallace said.
“Western Sydney International is a major piece of infrastructure for this country, and we’re proud to be opening our new freight terminal.”
History had already been made at WSI when the first cargo aircraft touched down on the tarmac in a trial earlier this month.
The Qantas Airbus A321 successfully landed at WSI at 2pm on July 13, as part of a readiness flight ahead of regular freight operations.
“Western Sydney International Airport is set to become one of Australia’s key air freight hubs and today’s flight was an important opportunity to test key procedures ahead of starting operations,” Qantas Freight Executive Manager Igor Kwiatkowski said at the time.
The first freight aircraft lands at Western Sydney International Airport. 9News
“In just a few weeks, this new 24-hour facility will provide greater flexibility for our freight network, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.”
Acting Minister for Transport Kristy McBain said: “This is the largest plane to land at Western Sydney International Airport so far, as we get ready to open for freight services.
The new airport would allow produce and products from the region reach new markets around the world, she added.
Western Sydney Airport is opening to passengers in October. Supplied
The new terminal is expected to handle more than 850 tonnes of freight each week.
Two domestic and two international airlines will be the first carriers to fly from the new Western Sydney International Airport, with passenger flights officially taking off on October 25, 2026.
Qantas and Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand have now confirmed their new flights from WSI, with passenger flights kicking off in October.
Jetstar will operate the airport’s first flight, with an Airbus A320 set to take off from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on October 25.
