Western Sydney International is now officially operational, following the launch of Australian domestic and international services over the long weekend.
A Kiwi trade delegation was aboard Air New Zealand’s inaugural flight between Auckland and WSI yesterday, which was also the new airport’s first international movement.
The thrice-weekly NZ service on the route gives customers greater choice and easier access to the growing Western Sydney region, says the carrier. NZ’s senior sales manager retail/TMC CJ Lowe says its trade partners play a key role in the success of new routes, helping build awareness, generate demand and turn new connections into travel opportunities. “We’re grateful for their ongoing support and look forward to working with them to grow this new market and make Western Sydney a success,” she adds.
. . . The Details
WSI CEO Simon Hickey says the airport is the most transformational piece of infrastructure Australia has seen since the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The domestic and international gates are under one roof, and its hi-tech check-in, baggage and airfield systems are designed to help to deliver a seamless, stress-free experience for passengers and airlines. “WSI’s passengers will be able to enjoy access to more than 250 destinations around the globe just over a year from now …”
. . . Bigger Than SYD
WSI has capacity to cater for up to 10 million passengers a year.
“Over time, it is expected to become Australia’s primary gateway, with capacity for more than 80 million passengers annually,” says WSI ceo Simon Hickey.
The airport’s 24-hour operations will give airlines greater flexibility to introduce new services and routes.
And while the trade contingent still used paper arrivals cards, WSI plans to be all digital in terms of arrivals declarations moving forward.
JQ commenced domestic services to WSI at the weekend and QF will begin passenger flights to/from WSI in Mar. Singapore Airlines (from Nov), Fiji Airways (from Mar), Vietjet (from Jan) and Qatar Airways (from Dec 2027) are also set to operate international services to WSI.
