Western Sydney Airport’s official name will pay tribute to one of Australia’s great aviators, Nancy-Bird Walton.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport was today unveiled as the Airport’s operating name by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who was joined by members of Nancy-Bird’s family.
Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Millett said Nancy-Bird Walton’s pioneering spirit made her the perfect namesake for the transformational infrastructure project.
“Western Sydney International is a once-in-a-generation project that promises a new era of jobs and opportunities for the millions of people who call the region home,” Mr Millett said.
“I think it is a fitting recognition of a trailblazing aviator and one of Australia’s great pioneers, Nancy-Bird Walton.”
Mr Millett said that the inclusion of ‘International’ in the name was important to ensure the premium nature of the airport is recognised globally.
“This will be a full-service airport, offering international, domestic and freight flights,” Mr Millett said.
“The community has been clear that including ‘International’ in the name is important to giving the Airport and its namesake region the status it deserves.
“Western Sydney International will be about the size of Gold Coast Airport when it opens and will gradually grow in stages and over decades to become the nation’s largest aviation gateway.”
The airport is on track to open in 2026. A second runway is expected to be required in the 2050s, with Western Sydney International set to take its place among the world’s most significant airports, processing more than 80 million passengers a year from the 2060s.
Construction of Western Sydney International’s visitor centre is now underway on the northwestern part of the airport’s 1780-hectare site.
Set to open later this year, the visitor centre will give community members, including school groups, the chance to watch the Airport’s terminal and runway being built, as well as an immersive digital experience telling the story of the Airport’s development and the benefits it will bring to the region.
Western Sydney Airport will continue to be the corporate name of the organisation responsible for delivering and operating the Airport.
