Virgin, Qantas to help with Western Sydney Airport planning

Australia’s two biggest airlines have put their hands up to help with the design and planning of the new Western Sydney Airport with work to begin at Badgerys Creek in September.

Qantas and Virgin Australia have signed up to help with the design and planning of the new Western Sydney Airport.

The airlines will help plan baggage handling, security, parking, passenger terminal and boarding systems for the $5.3 billion federally funded airport.

“The insights we’ll gain from working with the airlines will help us build an airport that people will love using,” Western Sydney Airport chief executive Graham Millett said.

The airlines will also be involved in early discussions on what routes will be flown from the airport and exactly how Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tigerair services will use the new Nancy-Bird Walton airport.

Nancy-Bird Walton Airport is due for completion in 2026. Picture: Toby Zerna

11,000 jobs are expected to be created during construction.

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Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said: “It is not often you get to help design an airport from scratch, so we’re really pleased to be a part of it.

“This is a chance to create a great experience for passengers and a high level of efficiency for airlines, which helps us keep fares lower,” he said.

Work on the new airport is due to start in September, creating 11,000 jobs during construction and 28,000 within five years of the airport opening in 2026.

“Given the size and significance of New South Wales to the economy, a second airport is exactly what we need to keep growing. The potential is huge,” Mr Joyce said.

The airlines will also be involved in route planning.

Virgin Australia boss Paul Scurrah said it was a great example of airlines working together to create the best possible experience for passengers.

“Western Sydney has the unique opportunity to build a new airport from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of future passengers.

“This agreement offers a chance to collaborate early in the planning phase. We’re looking forward to sharing our ideas to help make the airport a great experience and ensure it supports future operational requirements,” he said.

The airlines will also collaborate on airport access including train stations and parking, ride sharing, airfreight and cargo facilities and sustainability.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Alan Tudge welcomed the rival airlines’ signing of a memorandum of understanding with the airport.

“Western Sydney International was always geared to being an airport for full-service airlines as well as low-cost carriers,” Mr Tudge said.

“We are on track towards achieving this and today’s announcement will go a long way in guiding how Western Sydney International will take shape over the coming years,” he said.

Originally published as Virgin, Qantas to help with Western Sydney Airport planning