International freight companies collaborate on Western Sydney Airport design

Western Sydney Airport has now entered Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with a total of 12 major international freight companies to collaborate on the design of the new freight precinct.

Toll Group and dnata are the latest companies to sign MOUs with the airport signifying another step in the airport’s delivery.

Western Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Graham Millett said the airport will open up global markets to Australian exporters, supporting the NSW economy into the future.

“This freight precinct has the potential to become Sydney’s most important freight hub, generating thousands of jobs, and we’re thrilled to have two of the industry’s leaders, dnata and Toll Group, on board enabling us to optimise the functionality and design for our freight customers at Sydney’s new Airport,” Mr. Millett said.

With expertise in ground-handling along with other airline support services, dnata will provide a unique insight into the operations required to support both passenger and cargo services.

Toll Group’s experience in developing state-of-the-art capabilities will also be invaluable in developing Australia’s newest freight hub.

Western Sydney International will have the advantage of 24-hour air operations which will benefit perishable or time-sensitive Australian exported products.

“For producers across the region and beyond into regional NSW, many of which are small to medium and family-owned, Western Sydney International’s 24/7 operations will be the key to growing their businesses by unlocking lucrative Asian fresh-produce markets,” Mr. Millett said.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, said partnering with leading international freight companies provides valuable insights into the optimal design of a freight precinct.

“These partnerships help pave the way towards a genuinely world-class facility. Ongoing discussions with freight companies about potential operations will be focused on maximising efficiencies delivered by the new airport,” Mr. Cormann said.

Upon opening in 2026 Western Sydney Airport will have capacity for around 220,000 tonnes of freight per year.

The following major freight companies signed MOUs in August 2019: Australia Post (with StarTrack), DB Schenker, DHL Express, DSV Air and Sea, FedEx, Menzies Aviation, Swissport, Qantas Freight, Skyroad Logistics and Wymap.