A$32 million air cargo facility set for WSI

GLOBAL air services provider dnata says it will invest about A$32 million to establish a dedicated cargo terminal operation at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI).

The company says it will operate from a 5,000 sqm warehouse facility within WSI’s 24-hour cargo precinct, supported by an additional 4,000 sqm of surrounding land.

The airport is to deliver the site as a “cold shell” (floor, roof and walls), with dnata undertaking a full operational fit-out of the terminal.

About A$6 million of the investment is to be allocated to specialised equipment and technology to ensure scalable, efficient and future-ready cargo operations, including capabilities to support specialised cargo such as pharmaceuticals.

Freighter operations are set to start in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger opening later this year.

The facility is to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually at maturity, strengthening capacity in New South Wales.

The new operation is projected to create about 50 direct roles in its initial phase, with further employment opportunities anticipated as volumes grow and operations expand.

In addition to direct jobs, the facility is to generate broader economic benefits across freight forwarding, logistics, ground handling and associated supply chain services.

Managing director of dnata airport operations – Australia, Burt Sigsworth, said their investment in Western Sydney International reflected strong confidence in the region’s long-term economic trajectory.

“By establishing a purpose-built cargo facility from day one, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting local industry and creating skilled employment opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors,” Mr Sigsworth said.

The development of dedicated cargo infrastructure at WSI is expected to enhance efficiency for airlines, freight forwarders and integrators.

WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said dnata was a terrific addition to the airport’s premier 24-hour cargo precinct.

“We’re thrilled to welcome dnata Cargo to WSI’s brand-new cargo hub, bringing its top-tier services for airlines and their customers and creating more meaningful job opportunities for workers across Greater Sydney,” Mr Hickey said.

“Our purpose-built 24-hour cargo precinct will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road with close proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.

“The Cargo Precinct is built for growth, and while we’re excited to open stage one and launch operations by the end of July, it also has capacity to expand significantly.”

Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King welcomed dnata and said the new freight operator would connect Western Sydney to the world.

“Western Sydney is the logistics heart of NSW, and our new airport will work hand in hand with other Australian government investments, like the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, to get goods off planes and across the country quickly and efficiently,” she said.

“This airport is built to grow, which will give Australian businesses the capacity and ability to grow alongside it.”

WSI’s Cargo Precinct includes warehousing and is expected to be capable of servicing eight wide-body aircraft at any one time and is to open with capacity for at least 220,000 tonnes of freight a year.