At 11am Australian Eastern Daylight Time, JQ362 will take off from Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, the first passenger flight for this brand-new airport.
Hundreds of spectators will also be in attendance as the full capacity Jetstar Airbus A320 takes off for the maiden passenger voyage, connecting Western Sydney to the Gold Coast for the first time.
This airport has been 40 years in the marking. In 1986, Badgerys Creek was designated to be home to Sydney’s second major airport by the then Hawke Government.
WSI is today being delivered by the Albanese Government.
The opening of Western Sydney Airport (WSI) has seen over 40 years of anticipation, 15 years of planning, seven years of construction and a year of rigorous testing.
The terminal took over 9 million working hours, and more than 13,000 workers helped deliver the broader precinct with over half of these calling Western Sydney home.
WSI will service a wide range of international routes, securing international flights from Fiji Airways, Vietjet, Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways, as well as domestic services operated by Qantas and Jetstar.
The passenger terminal includes more than 40 check-in and 34 bag drop kiosks, and services international and domestic passengers under the same roof.
The runway is fit to accommodate the newest of ultra-long-haul airliners, ensuring that future demand on international or domestic routes can be catered for.
These world-class facilities ensure that as passenger flights continue to ramp up in the future, WSI is equipped to service travellers in a smooth and seamless manner.
Western Sydney’s very own international airport is part of an $18 billion investment in Australia’s third-largest economy, with future projects to include the Sydney Metro Airport rail connection, and road upgrades to Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:
“For the first time in more than 50 years, Australia is opening a major new airport. “It’s a milestone that has been decades in the making and one that belongs to the people of Western Sydney.
“I’ve been a strong supporter of this project for a long time and I’m very proud to officially open it.
“I want to thank the thousands of workers who made it happen. This airport will make a real difference for Western Sydney, creating jobs, supporting local businesses and making it easier for people to travel for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“It can’t be overstated how big a moment this is for Western Sydney, for its people, for its economy and its industries.
“Today is a real milestone in our country’s travel history, and with tomorrow seeing the first international flight leave the tarmac for Auckland- the sky is the limit.”
Quote attributable to the Member for McMahon, Chris Bowen:
“Nancy-Bird Walton Airport is truly a world-class facility befitting of a world-class city like Sydney, and it was an incredible moment witnessing the maiden voyage.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland:
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for Western Sydney as our new airport opens its doors to the world, delivering opportunity and investment right across our region.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Macarthur, Mike Freelander:
“Western Sydney International will be a shot in the arm to the economy of the whole region, and will unlock immeasurable opportunities for our people.”
Quote attributable to the Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:
“It’s an incredible feeling to watch today’s Jetstar flight take off, carrying the first passengers from a runway that will connect Western Sydney with the rest of Australia and the world for decades to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for Banks, Zhi Soon:
“This airport opens up more opportunities for Western Sydney. Whether it is for work or personal travel, WSI will bring Western Sydney closer to the rest of the country and the world.”
Quote attributable to Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff:
“South west Sydney has been one of the fastest growing regions in all of Australia, and this international airport will power jobs, growth, and tourism in the Macarthur region for years to come.”
