Western Sydney Airport takes competitive message to world airlines

Introducing greater choice to Sydney’s airport market will be the focus of Western Sydney Airport’s first World Routes exhibition at the Adelaide event beginning this weekend.

‘A new approach to Sydney’ will be the message Western Sydney Airport will take to the global conference for airline network planners, as it promotes the opportunities its curfew-free operations will create for airlines.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Graham Millett said airlines are invited to help design their dream airport from the ground up.

“This year we signed MOUs with the Qantas Group and Virgin Australia Group,” Mr Millett said.

“Our close engagement with these airlines has already helped shape the design and operational planning of Western Sydney International.

“Insights from industry into how we build a modern, efficient airport that represents an enticing commercial proposition for airlines are proving invaluable.”

Building a new, greenfield airport provides opportunities to use smart design and technology to offer airlines and passengers an improved experience.

“As we plan Western Sydney International, we want to create a service-focussed, stress-free experience for passengers and increased reliability and efficiency for airlines,” Mr Millett said.

“We’re designing an airport that will minimise aircraft turnaround times so airlines using our airport will have their assets spending less time on the ground.”

Western Sydney is home to one-in-10 Australians. Shortly after operations begin in 2026, Western Sydney International will be the closest major airport for almost three million people.

“Cities around Australia with smaller populations, such as Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide have long supported international airports,” Mr Millett said.

“With 45 per cent of the region’s population born overseas, the opportunities for the inbound and outbound international travel markets are obvious.

“I’m confident there’s no region in Australia with more potential for visiting friends and relatives than Western Sydney.”

Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport will not be subject to a curfew or movement restrictions, creating flexibility for Australian and overseas airlines looking for ways to diversify services.

“Western Sydney International will unlock capacity to Sydney at times that suit the local time zones of both full service and low-cost carriers from across the world,” Mr Millett said.

Governments are investing billions in ground transport infrastructure to connect Western Sydney International to the region and beyond. 

The Airport will have a direct motorway connection to the terminal from day one of operation, providing uninterrupted motorway access to the Sydney CBD. Bus connections will provide for easy transfers to major Western Sydney centres. A high-frequency metro rail line will be built to connect the Airport to other parts of Western Sydney.

Western Sydney Airport will be located at Stand 34 at World Routes 2019, alongside Tourism Australia.