Western Sydney International lands major dnata cargo hub

“We’re thrilled to welcome dnata Cargo to WSI’s brand-new cargo hub, bringing its top-tier services for airlines and their customers and creating more meaningful job opportunities for workers across Greater Sydney,” said WSI CEO Simon Hickey.

“Our purpose-built 24-hour Cargo Precinct will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity and provide dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road with close proximity to growing freight and logistics centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.

“Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth, and while we’re excited to open stage one and launch operations by the end of July, it also has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with market demands.”

The news follows dnata last year announcing a $17 million catering centre at WSI, along with ground support equipment like catering trucks and light vehicles.

Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations – Australia, said the investments “reflect strong confidence in the region’s long-term economic trajectory and the critical role air freight plays in supporting Australian trade”.

“By establishing a purpose-built cargo facility from day one, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting local industry and creating skilled employment opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors,” he said.

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Qantas Freight in 2024 was announced as WSI’s first cargo airline, and will occupy a 24,000-square-metre operation, including around 14,000 square metres of warehousing. The hub will be capable of servicing Qantas’ new and upgraded A330 and A321 freighters.

The precinct has also secured aviation services business Menzies Aviation, which will operate a 22,500-square-metre facility specialising in pharmaceutical and cool chain products, e-commerce, and heavy cargo.

According to Federal Transport Minister Catherine King, the cargo facilities at WSI “will connect Western Sydney to the world”.

“Western Sydney is the logistics heart of NSW, and our new airport will work hand in hand with other Australian Government investments, like the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal, to get goods off planes and across the country quickly and efficiently,” she said.

“This airport is built to grow, which will give Australian businesses the capacity and ability to grow alongside it.”

The whole cargo precinct, which will include up to 75,000 square metres of warehousing, is being built to service up to eight wide-body aircraft at any one time and around 220,000 tonnes of freight annually. It is tipped to increase Sydney’s air freight capacity by around 33 per cent when it opens.