Story written by ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
QANTAS and Jetstar have become the first airline to commit themselves to flights out of Western Sydney International Airport when it opens in late 2026.
Construction work on the new airport (international airport code WSI) is more than halfway complete which is expected to host more than 25,000 passenger and freight flights, carry more than four million passengers, and create 700 jobs.
Qantas says it plans to operate up to 15 narrow-body aircraft, 10 Jetstar and five Qantas, from Nancy-Bird Walton (WSI) Airport in the first year, flying to destinations like Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Outgoing Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said WSI is on track to become the sixth biggest airport for the Group in just its first year of operation.
“As we take delivery of more aircraft and expand our fleet, we see Western Sydney Airport as a significant growth opportunity for the Group, which will complement our existing operations in the Sydney basin and nationally,” Mr Joyce said.
“Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system.”
He said WSI will also complement the airline’s plans for the existing Kingsford-Smith Airport even as it becomes Australia’s largest airport.
“I have absolutely no doubt it will be the biggest airport on the Qantas network one day,” he said.
He said the airline will have one new aircraft arriving every three weeks between now to when when it opens in over three years; one aircraft every three weeks.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “exciting” to see Qantas and Jetstar commit to Nancy-Bird Walton Airport.
“This is a strong sign of support from the airline industry and continues the commitment we are seeing from the business community to invest in Western Sydney,” he said.
“That means more jobs for Western Sydney locals, as well as unlocking opportunities for apprenticeships and other learning workers to advance their skills and experience.
“More than 11,000 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created over the construction period, with thousands more set to be supported once operations begin – meaning WSI really is a game-changer for employment in the region, opening new opportunities across a range of exciting fields.”
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King also welcomed the deal.
“… (it) will provide much-needed aviation services and bolster this critical Australian industry – all while championing sustainable features and practices,” she said.
“From the terminal to the airfield, sustainability is a key focus in the design and construction of WSI, which will consume less electricity, water and liquid fuels than comparative airports.”
WSI Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said the agreement sends a very powerful signal globally.
“We’re enabling WSI with the latest technology, which will deliver an easier and more seamless travel experience,” he said.
“Qantas and Jetstar passengers are going to love flying from WSI and we can’t wait to welcome them.
“WSI is being designed for growth and will eventually become Sydney’s biggest airport. We have a roadmap to grow to 82 million annual passengers, around the size of the world’s major airports, such as Dubai and London Heathrow.”
With work under way to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the airport and airlines have agreed to develop projects in Western Sydney that can supply SAF to WSI to power flights. SAF is expected to lower emissions by up to 80 per cent.
The airport’s taxiing times will be far less than that of other airports in Australia, a more “efficient” baggage handling system – and a new cat IIIB landing system to allow for take-offs and landings in fog; WSI will be only the second airport in Australia to have that system.
The preliminary flight paths will be released in June, according to Ms King.
Tasman Aircraft 