Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has landed its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate from the airport, connecting Western Sydney passengers to the world.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said: “This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” he said.
“Western Sydney International Airport’s late-night departure capacity, for instance, could allow Singapore Airlines’ business travellers to finish a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight and arrive in Singapore before their first morning meeting the very next day.
“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their award-winning Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”
Mr Hickey said Western Sydney International Airport was focused on delivering a smooth and simple experience for its customers, underpinned by the latest technology, which was another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.
“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” he said.
Based in the state’s cultural heartland of Western Sydney, which is home to more than 150 different ancestries, this new commercial arrangement will also unlock new opportunities for the region’s residents who welcome family or friends overseas or travel to visit them.
“With the airport build now more than 80 per cent progressed – including the recent completion of our terminal roof – and today’s step forward to advance international airline negotiations, our diverse communities can really get a sense of their future airport, and the experience they’ll have flying from here in late 2026,” Mr Hickey said.
Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Mr Louis Arul, said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia, which is a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.
“This is a unique opportunity to work with a greenfield airport to set a new base line for customer experience throughout an airport ecosystem.
“We are working closely with WSI to ensure that our customers will continue to enjoy the comprehensive, end-to-end, world-class experience that is synonymous with Singapore Airlines,” Mr Arul said.
Today’s agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties in 2023, which set the scope to explore the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities.
Western Sydney welcomes announcement
The announcement has been welcomed by Western Sydney stakeholders a major coup that will boost the region’s reputation as a gateway to the world.
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM said: “Today’s announcement shows Western Sydney International Airport is gathering pace and international pedigree, more than two years out from opening.
“It proves that WSI is not just going to be a launch pad for Aussies to get a quick getaway to Bali but a place that will welcome holiday and business travellers from around the world.
“This is one of the world’s best airlines setting up shop out West and committing to operate in this dynamic growth region and connect Western Sydney to the biggest transit hubs in the world.”
Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger said: "The arrival of Singapore Airlines as the first international carrier at Western Sydney International Airport marks a significant milestone and is a huge vote of confidence in the region's economic future.
"Singapore Airlines, with its extensive network covering 76 international destinations across 32 countries and six continents, underscores the high calibre and prestige that our new airport will unlock for Western Sydney."
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia CEO Margy Osmond said: “This is a significant milestone for Western Sydney International and signals a major boost for the visitor economy of Western Sydney, NSW and Australia more broadly.
“This will increase flights to Australia from one of Asia’s busiest international aviation hubs, helping bring more overseas visitors to our shores from across the region, whilst providing a seamless travel experience when they land.”
WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.
It will welcome up to 10 million annual passengers a year and offer an integrated domestic and international terminal, in addition to Business Precinct and Aviation Support Facilities, including cargo.
Construction of WSI is delivering more than 9000 jobs and half a billion dollars in contracts to Western Sydney businesses.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “From Singapore’s Marina Bay to Sydney’s Badgerys Creek, this shows the bright future ahead for Western Sydney International.
“Connecting Western Sydney with the world, while boosting jobs, skills and opportunities right across this region.”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said: “This strategic partnership recognises WSI’s status as a world-class international airport and new gateway to Asia.
“Tourism is a major contributor for Sydney and Australia, with WSI a major contributor to opportunities for jobs and local businesses.”
Workshops put visitor economy businesses on runway to success
The opening of Western Sydney International Airport and expansion of Newcastle Airport will provide a once-in-a-lifetime growth opportunity for the NSW visitor economy.
Destination NSW is holding a series of Inbound Strategy Workshops in September 2024 in Greater Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter to prepare businesses to sell experiences via travel distribution channels to international visitors arriving in NSW via these airports.
Learn more here.
