Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has begun live freighter trials at its new 24-hour cargo hub ahead of the launch of commercial operations on 26 July.
A Qantas Freight A321F became the first cargo aircraft to land at the airport’s cargo precinct on July 13, marking the final stages of an operational readiness program for a facility capable of handling up to 220,000 tonnes of cargo a year.
Further testing will be carried out over the next fortnight before Qantas Freight and its cargo partners Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air begin operating at the precinct.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said: “These tests are an integral part of ensuring our systems, infrastructure and people have been put to the test in a live, controlled operating environment.
“Today’s flight will be followed by further testing over the next fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial cargo services.”
The Cargo Precinct is designed to increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide 24-hour operations, with the airport focusing on e-commerce, critical time cargo and the movement of products and goods from across New South Wales to international markets.
Qantas Freight CEO Igor Kwiatkowski said: “In just a few weeks, this new 24-hour facility will provide greater flexibility for our freight network, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.
“The airport will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity, helping us move critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the coming months.”
WSI said its status as Australia’s first greenfield international airport in more than 50 years had enabled the latest technology and infrastructure to be brought into cargo development.
Hickey said: “We have used the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable and future-proof charging enclosure. Our trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities.”
The precinct has exclusive access via the improved Northern Road and is located close to freight and logistics centers at Kemps Creek and industrial sites at Aerotropolis.
The first stage will open at the end of July and the Cargo Precinct will be designed to expand in accordance with future cargo demand.
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