Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has kicked off Cargo Precinct trial flights today, with the first freighter, a Qantas A321 aircraft, touching down this afternoon ahead of the hub’s formal opening and inaugural commercial services later this month.
QF7301 successfully landed at WSI at 2pm, after brief delay, helping validate key operational processes at the airport’s new Cargo Precinct, including aircraft handling, ground operations, systems, airside coordination and cargo transfer procedures.
The trial flights mark the final stages of the airport’s operational readiness program as it prepares for the opening of its 24-hour cargo hub.
Regular domestic freighter operations from Western Sydney International will begin on 27 July, with the new terminal expected to handle more than 850 tonnes of freight each week.
“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,” WSI chief executive officer Simon Hickey said. “Today’s flight will be followed by further trials over the following fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial freight services.”
The Cargo Precinct will enhance Sydney’s air cargo capacity supporting a diverse range of goods and facilitating the movement of up to 220,000 tonnes of freight yearly. 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.
While stage one will launch in July, WSI built the precinct to expand and grow significantly over the years ahead, in line with the needs of consumers, businesses and market demands.
“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,” Qantas freight executive manager Igor 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.”
Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air will join Qantas Freight at WSI’s Cargo Precinct. In April, dnata committed $32 million to develop a new cargo terminal at the cargo facility.
WSI and its cargo hub has the advantage of being Australia’s first greenfield international airport in more than half a century.
Jetstar will operate the first commercial passenger flight from Western Sydney International on 25 October 2026, the airport’s opening day. Qantas will follow from 28 March 2027 as part of an agreement between the Qantas Group and WSI covering both passenger and freight services.
