Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King opens WSI’s Cargo Precinct with WSI CEO Simon Hickey.

By WSI CEO Simon Hickey 

YOUR local airport is now open for business. While passenger flights don’t launch until October – as of now, the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) Cargo Precinct is open, and that means more benefits and more opportunities for Western Sydney. 

Western Sydney is one of the most thriving regions in Australia – its population is set to grow to around three million in the next decade. With more people, comes the need for a bigger ecosystem to support that growth – including more resources, better infrastructure like roads and rail, and faster transport of goods. 

This is where WSI’s Cargo Precinct will be a game changer. Stage One will see businesses like Qantas Freight and Texel Air – whose freight customers include Australia Post and Team Global Express – operating from our facilities. This means a higher volume of letters, parcels and packages, delivered faster, and with less distance to your front door. 

Qantas and Australia Post’s partnership will support delivery of over 75 million tonnes of parcels and cargo each year, with that volume expected to grow as online shopping and next-day delivery demand continue to rise. 

Equally, some of the best produce in Australia is right here in New South Wales, so having an airport located in Western Sydney that can transport fish from Forster, cherries from Young, or beef from the Riverina to other domestic or international destinations fresh (not frozen), will expand opportunities for local businesses and farmers. Menzies Aviation and dnata Cargo that have signed on to our hub will support this movement of goods too. 

Over the last few weeks, we have shared some exciting announcements that will support your experience when you fly from WSI. Five car rental agencies – Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Redspot – are set to deliver a seamless experience for WSI travellers. 

We also announced a partnership with Global Exchange, which will operate two bureaus at the terminal along with ATM services. Passengers will also be able to utilise Global Exchange’s ‘click and collect’ service, allowing customers to reserve currencies online ahead of their travels to collect at the airport, quickly and conveniently.  

We look forward to welcoming you to your new airport.