Photos: Noel Rowsell
WESTERN Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s (WSI) Cargo Precinct trial flights commenced on Monday 13th July, with the first freighter touching down at 2pm. The freight hub’s formal opening and inaugural commercial services will commence on Sunday 26 July.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said these trial flights marked the final stages of the airport’s operational readiness program as it prepares for the opening of its 24-hour, state-of-the-art cargo hub.
“Today we welcomed a Qantas 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.”
Upon opening on 26 July, Qantas Freight will be joined by other top-tier partners at WSI’s Cargo Precinct, including Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air.
Mr Hickey said WSI and its top-tier cargo hub has the benefit of being Australia’s first greenfield international airport 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 Air Services Australia and our trusted Cargo Precinct partners to deliver this trial program. We look forward to welcoming our first commercial services later this month.”
The Cargo Precinct will substantially enhance Sydney’s air cargo capacity, supporting a diverse range of goods and facilitating the movement of up to 220,000 tonnes of freight annually. It offers dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.
Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth. Whilst stage one will launch in July, the precinct has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with the needs of consumers, businesses and associated market demands.
