Qantas and Jetstar: Pioneering Domestic Flights from New Sydney Airport
The Qantas Group and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) have announced Qantas and Jetstar as the first airlines to operate domestic flights from Sydney’s upcoming, sustainability-focused airport. The partnership comes as the airport gears up to open in late 2026, paving the way for enhanced domestic connectivity and significant job growth.
WSI’s Commitment to Job Growth and Domestic Connectivity
Within its initial year, the Qantas Group plans to manage up to 15 narrowbody aircraft from WSI, stimulating the regional economy with the generation of nearly 700 operational jobs. The fleet, consisting of 10 Jetstar and five Qantas aircraft, will service sought-after domestic routes such as Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
Redefining Passenger Experience at WSI
The new airport promises to deliver a superior customer experience, integrating simplicity and intuitive wayfinding with exceptional customer service for a stress-free journey. WSI’s design harmoniously merges Australia’s natural beauty and the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage, reflecting extensive consultations with Aboriginal communities. This unique connection to the Dharug country will be mirrored in both the departure and arrival sections, instilling an authentic sense of place.
The intuitively designed terminal ensures effortless navigation, complementing the airport’s top-notch customer service. As a result, passengers can look forward to a stress-free airport experience, making their journey from Western Sydney International fast, easy, and seamless. Meanwhile, the focus on operational efficiency and reliability provides an environment where passengers arrive at their aircraft feeling relaxed and ready for their flight.
WSI’s blend of sustainability and operational efficiency is set to make it a standout addition to the aviation landscape. Passengers can look forward to a truly unique airport experience that seamlessly intertwines with the rich tapestry of Western Sydney.
WSI Designed by and for Dharug country
WSI’s design holds a strong connection to Dharug country, a reflection of the extensive consultations with Aboriginal communities during the design process. This connection is embedded in both the departure and arrival sections of the airport.
Sustainability is another cornerstone of WSI’s design, with passive design principles such as natural light utilization and airflow optimization for superior energy efficiency. This strategic approach contributes significantly to carbon emissions reduction, aligning with the global move towards more sustainable aviation infrastructure.
The design, an evolution of the initial concepts developed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture, retains key design principles while optimizing customer outcomes within the context of a strong regional identity unmistakably at home in Western Sydney.
Australian company Multiplex was awarded the contract to convert the initial terminal concepts into a final design and oversee the terminal’s construction. WSI is on track to begin both international and domestic passenger services as well as air cargo flights by late 2026.
WSI’s Dedication to Sustainability
WSI places a high emphasis on sustainability, incorporating passive design principles that utilize natural light and airflows for superior energy efficiency. This forward-thinking design approach significantly contributes to carbon emissions reduction and aligns with the airport’s commitment to the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) – a pledge shared with Qantas and Jetstar. This dedication to sustainability signifies a massive step towards a greener future in the aviation industry.
Qantas Group Commitment to WSI promises Bright Future for Western Sydney
The new airport is set to make a substantial impact on the Western Sydney community. Thus far, the project has spent over $400 million with region-based businesses and provided local workforce opportunities, including apprenticeships, traineeships, and other vocational training.
The airport’s development and Qantas Group’s commitment to operations is a significant leap in domestic connectivity for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. The first year of the two Qantas Group airlines’ operation at WSI is predicted to cater to approximately four million passengers via over 25,000 flights. For the Qantas Group, this translates to considerable growth potential, adding to its already substantial operations within the Sydney basin and nationally.
Redefining the Passenger Experience
With strategic advantages including a lack of curfew, rapid aircraft turnaround technology, and a cutting-edge baggage system, WSI is poised to redefine the passenger experience. The airport is also specifically designed to accommodate growth, with a roadmap to eventually serve up to 82 million annual passengers – a figure comparable to major international airports like Dubai and London Heathrow.
WSI, Qantas, and Jetstar: A New Chapter in Australia’s Aviation
Qantas, Jetstar, and WSI have sent a clear signal to the global aviation and travel industry about the exciting new possibilities in Western Sydney. The new airport’s enhanced connectivity, job creation, commitment to sustainable fuels, and strong local economic impact present an unprecedented opportunity for travelers and the local community alike. Keep an eye out for great value travel options and a more seamless travel experience when WSI opens its doors in 2026.
Just the Facts
- Qantas and Jetstar first airlines to sign up to Sydney’s new airport WSI with commitment of up to 15 aircraft operating from the start.
- This commitment supports 700 jobs in the region
- WSI airport is on track to open in late 2026
- Both airlines and the airport have committed to using and supplying sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to power flights