Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Qantas A321 Becomes First Freighter to Land at Western Sydney International

Testing at the new cargo precinct validated handling, airside coordination and systems ahead of planned 24‑hour freight services later this month.

Overview

  • Qantas Freight’s A321 freighter completed a readiness flight that landed Monday, July 13, and tested aircraft handling, ground operations and cargo transfer procedures at Western Sydney International.
  • Western Sydney International says trial flights and system checks will continue over the next fortnight before regular domestic freighter services are due to begin on July 27.
  • The airport’s Cargo Precinct includes a 24,000 square‑metre automated terminal designed to move more than 850 tonnes of goods a week and operate 24 hours a day for faster, next‑day deliveries.
  • Flight‑path changes linked to the new airport have already taken effect and will shift some freighter movements away from Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport, changing noise and routing over inner‑west suburbs.
  • Commercial partners have committed to the precinct, with dnata investing about $32 million alongside Qantas and Menzies, and passenger services are being phased in later with Jetstar planned for October 25 and Qantas for March 28, 2027.