Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has secured its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines (SIA), confirming the premium carrier’s intention to operate at Sydney’s new 24-hour airport.
The airport at Badgerys Creek is due to open in 2026.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said at the heart of this arrangement – the first with an international airline for WSI – was recognition of the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities that airlines, like SIA, will be able to harness into the future.
“This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks,” he said.
“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.
“Late-night departures could also allow passengers to transit more swiftly from Singapore through their award-winning Changi Airport hub to connect to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group.”
Hickey said Western Sydney International Airport was focused on delivering a smooth and simple experience for its customers, underpinned by the latest technology, which was 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 said.
Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Louis Arul, welcomed the agreement.
“This is a unique opportunity to work with a greenfield airport to set a new base line for customer experience throughout an airport ecosystem,” he said.
“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.”
Today’s agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the parties in 2023, which set the scope to explore the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was at the airport construction site this morning, said it was huge news for the new airport.
“This investment will connect Badgerys Creek to Marina Bay,” he said.
“It will connect western Sydney with the world.”
Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger said it was a significant milestone.
“Singapore Airlines, with its extensive network covering 76 international destinations across 32 countries and six continents, underscores the high calibre and prestige that our new airport will unlock for eestern Sydney,” he said.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.