Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has begun live freighter trials at its new 24-hour cargo hub ahead of the launch of commercial operations on July 26.

A Qantas Freight A321F became the first freighter to land at the airport’s Cargo Precinct on July 13, marking the final stages of an operational readiness programme for a facility capable of handling up to 220,000 tonnes of freight annually.

Further trials will take place over the next fortnight before Qantas Freight and cargo partners Menzies Aviation, dnata Cargo and Texel Air begin operations at the precinct.

WSI chief executive Simon Hickey said: “These trials are an integral part of ensuring that our systems, infrastructure and staff have been put through their paces in a live and controlled operating environment.

“Today’s flight will be followed by further trials over the following fortnight as we make our final preparations for commercial freight services.”

The Cargo Precinct is designed to increase Sydney’s air freight capacity and provide 24-hour operations, with the airport targeting e-commerce, time-critical cargo and the movement of produce and goods from across New South Wales to international markets.

Qantas Freight executive manager Igor Kwiatkowski said: “In just a few weeks, this new 24-hour facility will provide greater flexibility for our freight network, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries.

“The airport will increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity helping us to move time-critical supplies around Australia and overseas in the months ahead.”

WSI said its status as Australia’s first greenfield international airport in more than 50 years had allowed the latest technology and infrastructure to be incorporated into the cargo development.

Hickey said: “We’ve utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable, and future-proofed Cargo Precinct. Our trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities.”

The precinct has dedicated access via the upgraded Northern Road and is located close to freight and logistics hubs in Kemps Creek and industrial sites across the Aerotropolis.

The first stage will open in late July, with the Cargo Precinct designed to expand in line with future freight demand.

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