Cargo trial flights begin at WSI airport

WESTERN Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport’s Cargo Precinct trial flights have begun, with the first freighter arriving on Monday (13/7) ahead of the hub’s formal opening later this month.

WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said the trial flights marked the final stages of the airport’s operational readiness program.

Mr Hickey said the arrival of a Qantas A321 freighter was part of a process of “bringing the airport to life”.

“These trials are an integral part of ensuring that our systems, infrastructure and staff have been put through their paces in a live and controlled operating environment.

“Today’s flight will be followed by further trials over the following fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial freight services.”

Qantas Freight is to be joined by other partners at WSI’s Cargo Precinct including Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air.

Mr Hickey said WSI and its top-tier cargo hub has the benefit of being Australia’s first greenfield international airport in more than half a century.

“We’ve utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable, and future-proofed Cargo Precinct. Our trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities,” he said.

He said they looked forward to “welcoming our first commercial services later this month”.

Acting transport minister Kristy McBain welcomed Qantas Freight’s first trial flight to the new airport.

“This is the largest plane to land at Western Sydney International Airport so far, as we get ready to open for freight services,” she said.

“The new airport will connect Western Sydney to the world, allowing us to move produce and goods from every corner of the state to new markets across the globe.”

Qantas Freight executive manager Igor Kwiatkowski said WSIA was set to become one of Australia’s key air freight hubs.

"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,” Mr Kwiatkowski said.

“The airport will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity helping us to move time-critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the months ahead.”

The Cargo Precinct is expected to substantially enhance Sydney’s air cargo capacity supporting a diverse range of goods and facilitating the movement of up to 220,000 tonnes of freight annually.

It is said to offer dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and nearby industrial sites.