History has been made at Australia’s newest airport with the first cargo aircraft touching down on the tarmac.
The Qantas Airbus A321 successfully landed at WSI at 2pm, as part of a readiness flight ahead of regular freight operations starting in a few weeks.
The first freight aircraft lands at Western Sydney International Airport. 9News
The landmark trial was done to help validate key operational processes at the airport’s new Cargo Precinct, which will officially begin operation on July 27.
That includes aircraft handling, ground operations, air-side coordination and cargo transfer procedures.
“Western Sydney International Airport is set to become one of Australia’s key air freight hubs and today’s flight was an important opportunity to test key procedures ahead of starting operations,” Qantas Freight Executive Manager Igor Kwiatkowski said.
“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.”
Acting Minister for Transport Kristy McBain said: “This is the largest plane to land at Western Sydney International Airport so far, as we get ready to open for freight services.
The new airport would allow produce and products from the region reach new markets around the world, she added.
The new terminal is expected to handle more than 850 tonnes of freight each week.
Western Sydney Airport is opening to passengers in October. Supplied
Two domestic and two international airlines will be the first carriers to fly from the new Western Sydney International Airport, with passenger flights officially taking off on October 25, 2026.
Qantas and Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand have now confirmed their new flights from WSI, with passenger flights kicking off in October.
Jetstar will operate the airport’s first flight, with an Airbus A320 set to take off from WSI to the Gold Coast at 11am on October 25.