Monday, July 13, 2026
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport's (WSI) Cargo Precinct trial flights will commence today, with the first freighter due to touch down this afternoon ahead of the hub's formal opening and inaugural commercial services later this month.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said these trial flights marked the final stages of the airport's operational readiness program as it prepares for the opening of its 24-hour, state-of-the-art cargo hub.
"Today we'll welcome a Qantas A321 freighter to WSI as we continue to ramp up operational preparations and really bring this airport to life," he said.
"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 will be joined by other top-tier 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 50 years.
"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.
"I also want to acknowledge the huge amount of cooperation and coordination across WSI, together with our colleagues at Air Services Australia and our trusted Cargo Precinct partners to deliver this trial program. We look forward to welcoming our first commercial services later this month."
Acting Minister for Transport 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 Western Sydney International Airport is set to become one of Australia's key air freight hubs and today's flight is an important opportunity to test key procedures ahead of starting operations.
"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," he 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 will 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 offers dedicated access via the recently upgraded Northern Road, and proximity to key freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.
Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth. While stage one will launch in July, the precinct has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with the needs of consumers, businesses and associated market demands.