Western Sydney International begins cargo flight trials
Western Sydney International has begun cargo precinct trial flights, including a Qantas A321 freighter, ahead of commercial freight services starting on 26 July.
A Qantas A321 freighter arrives at Western Sydney International Airport as cargo precinct trial flights begin.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport has begun cargo precinct trial flights as part of its final operational readiness programme ahead of the formal opening of the hub and the start of commercial services on Sunday, 26 July.
The first freighter, a Qantas A321 freighter, was due to land at WSI on Monday afternoon, marking the start of live operational trials at the airport’s 24-hour cargo hub.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said the trial flights were part of the final stages of preparing the airport for commercial freight operations.
“Today we’ll welcome a Qantas A321 freighter to WSI as we continue to ramp up operational preparations and really bring this airport to life,” he said.
“These trials are an integral part of ensuring that our systems, infrastructure and staff have been put through their paces in a live and controlled operating environment. Today’s flight will be followed by further trials over the following fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial freight services.”
When the cargo precinct opens on 26 July, Qantas Freight will operate alongside Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air at the site.
Hickey said WSI and its cargo hub benefit from being Australia’s first greenfield international airport developed in more than 50 years.
“We’ve utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable, and future-proofed Cargo Precinct. Our trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities,” he said.
“I also want to acknowledge the huge amount of cooperation and coordination across WSI, together with our colleagues at Airservices Australia and our trusted Cargo Precinct partners to deliver this trial programme. We look forward to welcoming our first commercial services later this month.”
Western Sydney International Airport begins cargo precinct trial flights ahead of its formal opening.
Acting Minister for Transport Kristy McBain welcomed Qantas Freight’s first trial flight to the airport.
“This is the largest plane to land at Western Sydney International Airport so far, as we get ready to open for freight services,” she said.
“The new airport will connect Western Sydney to the world, allowing us to move produce and goods from every corner of the state to new markets across the globe.”
Qantas Freight executive manager Igor Kwiatkowski said the airport was expected to become one of Australia’s key air freight hubs.
“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,” he said.
“The airport will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity helping us to move time-critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the months ahead.”
The cargo precinct is expected to increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and support the movement of up to 220,000 tonnes of freight each year. It has dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road and is close to freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.
WSI said the cargo precinct has been designed for future growth. While stage one will launch in July, the site has capacity for significant expansion in line with future consumer and business demand.
