JULY 26 has been set as the official opening date for the Western Sydney Airport integrated cargo precinct, a project expected to be a boon for both importers and exporters.
Qantas is to be one of the first cargo airlines to fly from the hub, when its freighter takes off on the evening of Monday 27 July.
WSI is to also have trial flights touching down earlier in July to test the new precinct ahead of its formal opening.
“We’re delighted to welcome Qantas Freight from Monday 27 July, which will help boost our city’s air cargo capacity and ensure people get critical goods more efficiently while supporting businesses to grow and reach new global markets,” WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said.
“Both exporters and importers will benefit from our integrated cargo precinct’s 24 -hour capacity, dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and developing industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.”
Qantas Group chief executive Vanessa Hudson said WSI would become “a key hub for Qantas Freight, with more than 850 tonnes of freight expected to move through our new terminal each week helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next -day deliveries.”
The freight announcement occurred as airlines began advertising ticket sales from the airport for domestic travellers.
Jetstar and Qantas tickets went on sale this week to fly from WSI to the east coast hubs of the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Brisbane.
The first domestic flight is set to depart for the Gold Coast on 25 October.
Federal infrastructure minister Catherine King said the airport’s opening would be a big moment for Western Sydney.
“This is a project 15 years in the making, and I’m looking forward to passenger flights taking off in just 137 days,” Ms King said.
“Tens of thousands of people have worked on making this project a reality, and soon it will be Western Sydney’s gateway to the world.”