Speaking to ABC’s The Business, Hickey said WSI is on track to begin operations in a year’s time, with four airlines – QantasLink, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand – having all committed to fly from the airport.

The new class will be operating on Emirates’ daily flights, EK420/421 between Perth and Dubai, making the service a now four-class cabin in a way the airline says will enhance the flying experience for travellers.

In a new report, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue called for a “more ambitious, multi‑year package” to bolster connectivity at the airport on top of the existing $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, saying other airports have received far more funding.

Helloworld, which already owns 17.27 per cent of Webjet, is offering 90 cents per share for all of its remaining stock, for a total of around $353 million. Webjet has only been listed on the ASX for just over a year since its demerger from WEB Travel Group in September 2024.