The 24-hour cargo precinct at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) is now officially open for business with its inaugural commercial freight flights having taken off today.

Stage one of the precinct will be able to cater for eight 747/777 freighters or 16 737/A320 domestic freighters, simultaneously. 

Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo, dnata Catering & Retail, and Texel Air have signed up to use the precinct, which will eventually have capacity to service up to 1.8m tonnes of air cargo annually. 

The cargo hub and the capacity and handling abilities it provide marks a major milestone for Australia’s producers, manufacturer and supply chains, stressed WSI.

Chief executive Simon Hickey said: “Air freight underpins many of NSW’s highest-value industries including fresh meat and seafood, pharmaceuticals, agricultural exports, electronics, advanced manufacturing and more.

“These industries rely on rapid international connections that can only be serviced by air freight, with our 24-hour Cargo Precinct initially capable of moving about a quarter of a million tonnes of freight per year, which is a massive boost to Sydney’s overall air cargo capacity. 

“This means that a fish caught in Forster can be served fresh at a restaurant in Singapore the next day, or that patients in the Pacific will benefit from access to critical but perishable medicines, while consumers across Sydney will also receive their coveted e-commerce packages more swiftly. 

“At the same time, our Cargo Precinct and the broader logistics and supply chain industries will create thousands of great new job opportunities for Western Sydney workers, closer to their homes and families.”

WSI is Australia’s first major international greenfield airport in more than 50 years. The airport carried out trial flights earlier in July to test the new precinct ahead of its formal opening.

Qantas became one of the first cargo airlines to fly from the hub when one of the airline’s freighters departed from the airport on the evening of 27 July.

Qantas chief executive of international and freight Cam Wallace said: “It’s a historic day for aviation in Australia as our first freight services take off from Western Sydney International Airport. This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world.  

“Western Sydney International is a major piece of infrastructure for this country and we’re proud to be opening our new freight terminal, which comes ahead of Jetstar’s first passenger services in October and Qantas to follow early next year.”

 In April, cargo handler dnata announced it would invest A$32m in a dedicated cargo facility at the cargo precinct.

Burt Sigsworth, managing director, dnata airport operations Australia, said: “Strong air cargo infrastructure is critical to connecting Australian businesses with global markets, and Western Sydney International Airport is set to play an important role in shaping that future.

“Our new cargo facility has been designed to provide the capacity, flexibility and operational expertise needed to meet the evolving needs of customers and supply chains. 

“We are excited to contribute to the development of a world-class cargo hub that will strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade and create new opportunities for businesses across the region and beyond.”

Texel Air Australasia also recently signed up to operate its air cargo charter services from the hub.

Texel Air, founder and chairman John Chisolm said: “For Texel Air, one of the most exciting aspects of Western Sydney International is the freedom that comes with genuine 24-hour operations.

“The ability to operate without curfew restrictions creates opportunities that simply do not exist elsewhere in the Sydney market.

“In our business, time is often the most valuable commodity. Whether it’s express freight, perishable products, live cargo or time-critical charter operations, customers need flexibility and certainty.

“A 24-hour cargo airport allows freight to move when it is ready, not when an airport’s operating window permits. That means more efficient supply chains, greater reliability and ultimately a better outcome for Australian businesses and consumers.”

Menzies Aviation’s executive vice president of cargo Beau Paine said: “Menzies Aviation provides air cargo and ground services at 15 airports across Australia, and we are proud to be partnering with WSI to help establish the airport as a major gateway.

“Our new cargo facility has direct airside access, multiple freighter bays, and the capability to handle pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce shipments, and heavy freight. 

“Our aim is to strengthen the supply chain and accelerate the movement of goods through MACH, our next-generation cargo management platform, MILE, our e-commerce solution, and a new trucking network connecting our Sydney cargo facilities.”

The first commercial passenger flight is scheduled to take off from WSI on 25 October.