Australia’s Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), can look forward to a new freight facility at its Cargo Precinct soon. The 22,500 m² facility is planned to go into operation towards the end of 2026. Menzies has signed a long-term lease covering the next twenty years, and the main focus will be on handling pharmaceutical and temperature-controlled commodities, e-commerce and heavy cargo out of a 12,500 m² warehouse. It will be kitted out with all the mod cons such as a state-of-the-art Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system capable of handling 150+ main deck ULD’s, and the forecast is that around 150,000 tons per year will pass through the facility. Direct airside access, multiple freighter bays right next to the warehouse, along with autonomous vehicles and robotic solutions, complemented by 24/7 aircraft and landside operations, all will serve to provide fast, flexible and efficient solutions for the region’s customers. “The Cargo Precinct’s strategic east coast location and proximity to Western Sydney’s rapidly growing industrial hubs will also provide unparallelled benefits and opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and other exporters to grow their businesses into the future,” the release explains.
Not only that, but given the circa 33% cargo capacity increase on offer to the market, comes a significant employment opportunity boost. So far, more than 3,500 staff are already involved in developing the airport’s future potentials, and more jobs are to come. Currently, around half of the workforce is local, and the release points out that about a third are learning on the job.
Beau Paine, Global Head of Cargo, Menzies Aviation, commented: “We’re looking forward to 2026, when this state-of-the-art cargo facility will open as part of the new Western Sydney International Airport. This operation will enable us deliver first-class, interconnected cargo services at both of Sydney’s international airports, expanding our service offering to our airline and freighter customers. We’re excited to increase our footprint in Australia and support the country’s thriving air cargo sector.”
Simon Hickey, WSI CEO, stated: “Menzies Aviation is an excellent addition to WSI’s 24/7 Cargo Precinct. Securing a world-leading service provider demonstrates the substantial opportunities this hub will provide for businesses to grow and access new markets over the years to come. The Precinct and our partners will also help generate thousands more jobs for Western Sydney locals during construction and operations, which is just another way we’re supercharging the nation’s economy and supporting resilient supply chains on which all Australians rely.”