A Qantas Airbus A321 has become the first freighter aircraft to land at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), touching down as part of a readiness flight ahead of regular freight operations commencing in a few weeks.
QF7301 successfully landed at WSI at 2.00pm, helping validate key operational processes at the airport’s new Cargo Precinct, including aircraft handling, ground operations, systems, airside coordination and cargo transfer procedures.
Regular domestic freighter operations from Western Sydney International will begin on 27 July, with the new terminal expected to handle more than 850 tonnes of freight each week.
As the nation’s leading air freight carrier, Qantas will support the movement of a diverse range of goods from the airline’s new 24,000 square-metre freight terminal, which will enable more seamless handling of cargo at Sydney’s newest airport.
Qantas Freight Executive Manager Igor Kwiatkowski said:
“Western Sydney International Airport is set to become one of Australia’s key air freight hubs and today’s flight was an important opportunity to test key procedures ahead of starting operations.
“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.
“The airport will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity helping us to move time-critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the months ahead.”
Western Sydney International Airport Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said:
“We’ve utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable, and future-proofed 24-hour Cargo Precinct. Our operational readiness program and live aircraft 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 news follows the announcement that Jetstar will operate the first commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International on 25 October 2026, the airport’s opening day. Qantas will follow from 28 March 2027 as part of an agreement between the Qantas Group and WSI covering both passenger and freight services.
Images and vision from today’s flight will be made available here.
