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 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.
The precinct is expected to support up to 2000 jobs during construction and more than 19,000 direct and indirect jobs across the precinct and connected supply chains, upon opening, each year.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said: “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.
“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 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.
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.
Tourism & Transport Forum welcomes announcement
Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia has described the cargo precinct as a "game changer" for the NSW visitor economy.
TTF CEO Margy Osmond said: “This precinct will make it faster and easier for tourism operators, hotels, restaurants and other related businesses to receive the supplies they need to deliver a high-quality experience to all guests, whether they be Australian travellers or visitors from overseas.
“It’s also fantastic for major events, which remain essential to the visitor economy. Festivals, exhibitions and other large events will all benefit from the faster delivery of materials and equipment through this increased cargo capacity.”
Ms Osmond also welcomed the critical role the new precinct will play in helping promote regional tourism across Australia.
“This facility will help simplify the transport of goods to and from regional areas, allowing local products to reach tourists more quickly and easily in these destinations,” she said.
“By showcasing the best of our regions, we can encourage more visitors to explore the unique experiences these spectacular parts of Australia have to offer.”
Connecting Western Sydney to global markets
Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger said the 24/7 operation of the new cargo precinct represented a significant leap forward for Western Sydney.
“Not only will the Cargo Precinct empower local farmers and manufacturers, giving them direct access to international markets, and significantly enhancing their export potential, it will also boost our regional economy, providing vital job opportunities for the local community, fostering growth and stability.
“The Cargo Precinct is an absolute game-changer for job creation in Western Sydney, generating 2000 jobs during construction alone, and supporting approximately 19,000 jobs annually once operational, across the precinct and broader supply chain.
“The ability to service eight wide-body aircraft simultaneously is a testament to our commitment to uplift Sydney’s logistics capabilities and demonstrative of the ingenuity stemming from the great minds in Sydney’s west.
“By linking the Cargo Precinct with upgraded transport networks, WSI are effectively creating a strategic hub that positions Sydney as a leader in global logistics and trade.
“Having seamless integration of air cargo operations at the new Western Sydney international Airport will not only revolutionise supply chains, ensuring that goods move efficiently from producers to consumers, but it will also support business and enhance competitiveness."
