Qantas and Jetstar are the first airlines to sign up to operate from the new Western Sydney International Airport when it opens in late 2026. The Group plans on operating 15 narrowbody aircraft from the new airport, with 10 Jetstar and five Qantas aircraft.
On Thursday (June 8, 2023), Qantas Group announced the signing of a landmark agreement that will see both Qantas and Jetstar operating from the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), scheduled to open in late 2026. Within the first year, the Group plans to operate five Qantas and 10 Jetstar narrowbody aircraft from WSI, serving domestic destinations such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast. Qantas estimates that these aircraft will operate approximately 25,000 flights per year carrying four million passengers annually. The company also expects to add 700 jobs in support of operations at the new airport.
In Thursday’s announcement, Qantas Group’s CEO, Alan Joyce, said,
“In just over three years Qantas and Jetstar will take off from Western Sydney connecting one of Australia’s fastest growing areas through direct flights across the country. As we take delivery of more aircraft and expand our fleet, we see Western Sydney Airport as a significant growth opportunity for the Group, which will complement our existing operations in the Sydney basin and nationally.
“Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system. Our data shows that more than two million trips per year are taken by people who live in the Western Sydney catchment so we know there will be demand for these flights from day one. Jetstar has a long history of stimulating demand when it starts flying to new destinations through low fares, so expect to see some great value travel options.”
Also commenting on the new agreement with Qantas Group, WSI Airport’s CEO, Simon Hickey, added,
“This is a substantial Qantas and Jetstar presence at Sydney’s new major airport. We’re enabling WSI with the latest technology, which will deliver an easier and more seamless travel experience. Qantas and Jetstar passengers are going to love flying from WSI and we can’t wait to welcome them. WSI is being designed for growth and will eventually become Sydney’s biggest airport. We have a roadmap to grow to 82 million annual passengers, around the size of the world’s major airports, such as Dubai and London Heathrow.”
Introducing Western Sydney International Airport - Courtesy WSI
Qantas Group and WSI have also agreed to develop projects in Western Sydney that can supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the airport to power flights. SAF can help to lower emissions by up to 80 percent on a lifecycle basis. The airport and Qantas continue to discuss the establishment of international and freight operations at WSI. The new airport will benefit communities across Western Sydney, and has already spent $400 million with regionally based businesses.
Source: Qantas