Singapore Airlines is the first international airline to operate out of Western Sydney’s new Nancy-Bird Walton international Airport once it is operational.
Western Sydney International Airport says the deal was signed amid continuing talks about the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in more than 50 years.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said at the heart of the arrangement is the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities for airlines like SIA (Singapore Airlines).
“Western Sydney International Airport’s late-night departure capacity, for instance, could allow Singapore Airlines’ business travellers to finish a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight and arrive in Singapore before their first morning meeting the very next day,” he explains.
“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their … Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”
Mr Hickey says the latest technology they are installing is another major drawcard for Singapore Airlines.
“Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board,” he says.
Mr Hickey says the airport is more than 80 per cent complete, including the recent completion of the terminal roof.
Singapore Airlines Regional Vice-President South-West Pacific Louis Arul says the deal is a “unique opportunity” to work with a greenfield airport.
“We are working closely with WSI to ensure that our customers will continue to enjoy the comprehensive, end-to-end, world-class experience that is synonymous with Singapore Airlines,” Mr Arul says.
WSI is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026.
