Air New Zealand plans to fly into the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) from 2027 as it prepares to launch more transtasman flying in the meantime.
NZ’s acting chief commercial officer Jeremy O’Brien says it is a ‘significant step’’ in expanding the airline’s transtasman footprint into what is Australia’s first major new airport in over 50 years. The frequency of the new flights hasn’t been determined, but could start around three flights a day in the fast growing West Sydney market which he says is attractive for travel agents who have a loyal VFR base. As part of a deal with New South Wales and WSI, NZ says it will have financial support for marketing the new route.
. . . More On Tasman
The national carrier has recently been under growing pressure from Qantas and Jetstar on the Tasman. O’Brien says this WSI move is about maintaining its position in the transtasman market. At the same time the NZ executive has confirmed that the airline is set to next week announce a big boost in capacity to Australia for the coming summer as more its aircraft return to or enter its wider fleet.
. . . 24/7 Airport
WSI is located 44km from the city’s CBD, and its terminal was officially opened today. Unlike slot-constrained Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport at Mascot, the AUD5.3 billion WSI won’t have a curfew and will offer 24-hour operations. It is capable of handling all aircraft types and will have a remote air traffic control system.
. . . State Support
NZ’s new WSI service will not only get marketing support but the carrier will also get discounted landing charges typically offered to airlines which sign up early at airports. “We’re targeting a mid-2027 start for flights, and we’ll confirm schedule and ticketing details in due course,’’ says O’Brien. Singapore Airlines has also signalled it will operate from WSI, joining NZ, Qantas and Jetstar.
. . . Good timing
While the new airport can operate 24/7 because of its distance from houses, the trip into the CBD is the downside. A metro line to the airport is due to open at around the same time that NZ flights begin. O’Brien says that NZ’s existing Sydney resources should be able to cover operations at both airports.
