Cargo operations mark opening of Western Sydney International Airport

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is officially open for business, with its inaugural commercial freight flights taking off today from its state-of-the-art, 24-hour Cargo Precinct.

This marks a major milestone for Australia’s critical supply chains, domestic producers and manufacturers, Western Sydney’s rapidly growing economy, and the state’s air cargo capacity.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said WSI’s state-of-the-art cargo hub will create opportunities for Greater Sydney’s businesses, workers, and broader supply chains as it connects Western Sydney to the world.

“Air freight underpins many of NSW’s highest-value industries including fresh meat and seafood, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, advanced manufacturing and more,” he 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 of freight per year, which is a massive boost to Sydney’s overall air cargo capacity.

“This means that a fish caught in Forster can be served fresh at a restaurant in Singapore the next day, or that patients in the Pacific will benefit from access to critical but perishable medicines, while consumers across Sydney will also receive their coveted e-commerce packages more swiftly.

“At the same time, our Cargo Precinct and the broader logistics and supply chain industries will create thousands of great new job opportunities for Western Sydney workers, closer to their homes and families.”

WSI’s Cargo Precinct offers dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and Wetherill Park and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis. This connectivity is also bolstered by the recently opened M12 and M7 integration, providing seamless access to Sydney’s broader motorway network.

Stage one of the Precinct will be able to cater for eight 747/777 freighters or 16 737/A320 domestic freighters, simultaneously.

Top-tier partners 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 become the major centre of air freight for the region – with capacity to service up to 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the opportunities presented by WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct would generate billions of dollars in new export revenue, enhancing Australia’s standing on the global stage.

“The trials at the freight precinct are now complete, with Western Sydney International Airport commencing operations today and welcoming its first freight flights,” Minister King said.

“Our first freight flights will soon be packed with cargo, set for departure later today. It’s exciting progress as we gear up to seeing Western Sydney International’s first passenger flights commence on October 25.”

WSI is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years. It has been the catalyst for billions of dollars in broader infrastructure investment, including in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

The Aerotropolis is fast becoming a leading destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and industrial investment – supported by the global connectivity of WSI and speed-to-market offered by its 24-hour operations. It will support 200,000 new jobs in the broader region, with a A$31 billion investment pipeline.