Dnata commences ops at Western Sydney International

Dnata has launched operations at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), supporting the launch of passenger flights at Australia’s newest international aviation gateway. The company played a key role in the airport’s historic opening, providing inflight catering for its inaugural domestic flight on 25 October and ground handling services for its first international flight on 26 October. Alongside its ground handling and catering activities, the company will operate The Rayleigh Lounge, WSI’s first international passenger lounge. Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director, dnata Airport Operations – Australia, said: “The opening of Western Sydney International marks an exciting new chapter for Australian aviation, and we’re incredibly proud to have played a part in it from day one. Supporting the airport’s first passenger flights is a significant achievement for our teams and the result of close collaboration with our airline partners and the wider airport community. We’re building a long-term presence at WSI, investing in the infrastructure, technology and people needed to support its future growth. We’ll continue working with our partners to strengthen international connectivity, support Australian trade and create new opportunities for the Western Sydney community.” As part of this commitment, dnata is investing approximately A$32 million in a purpose-built cargo terminal within WSI’s 24-hour Cargo Precinct. The 5,000 sqm facility is designed to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually at maturity. When it opens, it will feature modern handling systems and specialised infrastructure to support a range of cargo, including temperature-sensitive shipments. Through its Catering & Retail arm, dnata is also making a significant investment in a new inflight catering centre at WSI, with operations expected to commence next year. In the interim, the company will serve its airline customers at WSI from its catering facility at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, ensuring continuity of service. When it opens, the 3,250 sqm facility will have the capacity to produce up to three million meals annually, supporting domestic and international airline customers as the airport grows. It is expected to create more than 200 direct jobs over the next decade. Complementing its aviation services, dnata will also operate The Rayleigh Lounge. Located within WSI’s international terminal, the lounge will offer travellers a premium hospitality experience inspired by Western Sydney’s diverse communities and food culture. Its offering will celebrate locally sourced ingredients through a menu reflecting the region’s culinary diversity. Jetstar flights connect Western Sydney and Brisbane Brisbane and Western Sydney now share a direct air connection, with Jetstar flights between Brisbane Airport and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) taking off. Jetstar will fly three times a week between Western Sydney and Brisbane, adding around 58,000 seats a year between the two cities. The route will be operated by Jetstar’s A320 fleet. Almost three million people live in and around Western Sydney. The new flights give them a quicker, easier way to holiday in Queensland, while giving Queenslanders a direct link to family, friends and business in Western Sydney. Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed the new service, which takes the number of domestic destinations connected to Brisbane to 64, the most of any Australian airport. “We’re proud that Brisbane is among the first destinations connected to Australia’s newest major airport. This new connection puts Queensland within even easier reach of millions of people in Western Sydney. We know passengers using Brisbane Airport love low fares for their getaway. Jetstar is a great partner and has grown rapidly in the past two years to meet strong domestic and international demand.” Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the new route would make it easier and more affordable to travel between the two regions. “Queensland has always been a big part of the Jetstar story, and these new routes will bring thousands more people to and from the Sunshine State for less. More visitors means more people spending time and money with local businesses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. And for Queenslanders heading south, it’s another easy, affordable option.” For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]