Sydney’s new airport and Western Sydney University join forces

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) and Western Sydney University have combined forces “to drive education, training and job opportunities” ahead of the airport’s late 2026 opening.

The pair today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the organisations partner in a range of ways to “drive positive outcomes for communities” in Western Sydney – one of the fastest growing regions in the nation.

WSI CEO, Simon Hickey, believes that the new MoU builds upon a terrific history of collaboration between the airport and University in recent years.

He said: “Western Sydney is in the midst of an incredible transformation, with the airport a major catalyst for broad infrastructure investment and significant job creation that will generate bigger and better career opportunities for students today and for generations to come.

“Already we’ve had Western Sydney University students join the airport’s internship and summer research programmes, which have allowed them to get practical, hands-on skills while completing their studies, and have also had students take part in a major research project supported by the airport and our technology partner, DXC Technology. This MoU will build on those substantial foundations.

“Strengthening our partnership with the University is an important way we can help more young people during their journeys to study, up-skill or start their first job – whether it’s in aviation, science, technology, advanced manufacturing or other diverse industries in Western Sydney.”

Western Sydney University chancellor, professor Jennifer Westacott AO, said the partnership with WSI is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the airport and its broader impact on the region.

“The collaboration with WSI provides a key platform to enhance the education, research, and innovation connections needed to maximise the airport’s potential. This is vital not only for the airport’s development but also for the lasting benefits it can bring to the Western Sydney region,” said Westacott.

“Beyond the substantial jobs boost created through the construction phase, the jobs and skills development opportunities that will emerge from the airport’s operations will be critical for the region. These opportunities will provide local residents with better access to employment and be a key driver of regional growth.”

WSI notes that more than half of the approximately 3,500 people currently working to build the airport hail from Western Sydney, while ‘learning’ workers, which include trainees, graduates, apprentices, and workers training to upgrade their qualifications and skills, currently account for around 30 per cent of the workforce.

As WSI prepares to open in late 2026, thousands more jobs will be created across all parts of the precinct from domestic and international operations to services in the WSI Cargo and Business precincts as well.