In a major boost for our nation’s critical supply chains, construction of an integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct is taking flight at Sydney’s new international airport, with both Qantas Group and Menzies Aviation signing up to operate at the premier precinct.
The new hub at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity by around 33 per cent upon opening and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road and proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the airport continued to create high-value job opportunities for Western Sydney locals, with the Cargo Precinct expected to support up to 2,000 jobs during construction and more than 19,000 direct and indirect jobs across the precinct and connected supply chains, upon opening, each year.
“We’re pleased to welcome two top-tier operators, Qantas Freight and Menzies, to Sydney’s new, integrated Cargo Precinct that will enable direct connectivity between freighters, the terminal and road transport,” he said.
“Qantas Group is our first freight airline to sign up to our 24-hour Cargo Precinct, which will provide unparallelled opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and other exporters to grow their businesses.”
The new hub will also be capable of facilitating Qantas’ transformed freighter fleet of new and upgraded Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft.
Mr Hickey said the Cargo Precinct’s strategic east coast location, proximity to Western Sydney’s rapidly growing industrial hubs and enhanced service flexibility from 24-hour operations will help businesses unlock improved access to key export markets.
“We’re already responding to growing market demands, including significant spikes in e-commerce purchases initially prompted by changing spending habits during the COVID-19 pandemic, by increasing the airport’s opening air cargo capacity,” he said.
“We’ve secured external financing of $805.4 million to develop the infrastructure for a stand-alone future-proof Cargo Precinct and our Business Precinct to meet business and customer needs now and for decades to come.
“This additional funding will support the development of roadways, taxiways and buildings to maximise the value of the airport over the long-term. In turn, this will deliver more socio-economic benefits like jobs for the people of Western Sydney and beyond, and a greater financial return for all Australian taxpayers.”
Mr Hickey said world-leading airport services partner Menzies Aviation, which currently handles more than two million tonnes of cargo globally each year, was another fantastic addition to WSI’s Cargo Precinct.
“In a strong signal of the precinct’s critical cargo capacity and future growth opportunities, Menzies has signed a long-term lease with WSI that will see the business operate a facility over the next two decades, specialising in pharmaceutical and cool chain products handling as well as e-commerce and heavy cargo services,” he said.
Mr Hickey said construction of the precinct – which will include up to 75,000 square metres of warehousing and be capable of servicing eight wide-body aircraft at any one time – began earlier this year and remains on track for cargo operations to commence in 2026.
“The precinct build is coming along at pace thanks to our terrific construction partner, CPB Acciona Joint Venture, which also delivered the airport’s 3.7km runway,” he said.
While WSI’s construction partner is responsible for delivering a range of aeronautical and precinct infrastructure works, the gradual fit-out of the warehouse facilities will be carried out by precinct partners to ensure the layout and design is fit-for-purpose and meets their individual customer’s needs.
