A Qantas plane laden with AusPost parcels is set to be the first freight plane to take off from Western Sydney International Airport later tonight.
The new cargo precinct is a big boost to Sydney’s aviation cargo capacity, with extensive warehousing space which will ultimately cater for up to 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually.
Stage one of the precinct will be able to cater for up to eight wide-body freighters like 747s or 16 narrow-body domestic freighters like 737s or A321s at the same time.
WSI’s cargo precinct will be utilised by Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo, dnata Catering & Retail and Texel Air.
This modern cargo hub will support businesses and strengthen supply chains as Western Sydney is connected to the world.
Western Sydney International Airport’s freight operations will be joined by regular passenger services from 11am 25 October 2026, when Jetstar’s sold-out inaugural flight JQ362 takes off from Western Sydney bound for the Gold Coast.
Western Sydney’s new 24-hour airport is the centrepiece of the Albanese Labor Government’s near $18 billion investment in Western Sydney, including the future Sydney Metro Airport rail connection and significant road upgrades to nearby Elizabeth Drive, Fifteenth Avenue and Mamre Road. This investment builds upon benefits already delivered through the recent opening of the M12 Motorway.
The entire WSI project has created over 12,800 jobs, half of which have come from the local area.
More than $500 million has also been invested in more than 360 Western Sydney based businesses during major construction works at WSI, including local tradies and construction companies, caterers, and security guards.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“Testing at the freight precinct is now complete, and now Western Sydney International Airport is operational and welcoming freight flights.
“Our first flights have arrived and are being packed and readied for departure as we speak.
“It’s exciting progress as we gear up to seeing passenger flights commence on October 25.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications Anika Wells MP:
“The Federal Government’s $240 million dollar contribution to the Macquarie Point Precinct is all about delivering better public spaces, housing, commercial activity cultural uses and major events.
“I am looking forward to seeing these works get underway.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry Senator Tim Ayres:
“Western Sydney Airport gives freight and logistics operators the round-the-clock capacity they need in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“Combined with the Aerotropolis, it will mean manufacturers and exporters can move goods from factory floors to aircraft’s in hours, not days – creating faster, more resilient supply chains and helping Australian businesses to compete in global markets.
“This is how we build industrial capability, attract investment and cement Western Sydney as a major hub for industry, logistics and advanced manufacturing.”
