Test flight touches down safely at Western Sydney International Airport

The first ever plane has touched down at the country’s newest airport with preparations underway to ensure the grand opening is a success.

The new Western Sydney International Airport has welcomed the arrival of its first plane, as testing begins to ensure all future flights will have a smooth landing ahead of the official grand opening.

It was an exciting moment for the country’s first greenfield airport when a Piper PA30 Twin Engine Comanche touched down safely on the brand new runway on Wednesday.

Multiple flights will be conducted during daylight, dusk and evening conditions to test out the about 3000 aeronautical ground lights at the airfield at both ends of the runway.

The test flight was successful. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

The Piper PA3020 Twin Engine Comanche was the first aeroplane to touch down at Western Sydney International. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

WSI chief executive officer Simon Hickey said the test flights were an important step in ensuring the runway was ready for operation.

“This week’s flight tests are an important commissioning requirement stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to help ensure our runway lighting infrastructure is fit for operations,” Mr Hickey said.

“These tests are the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by our contract partners to level the land, build multiple complex layers of sandstone and asphalt to form the 3.7km runway, and install lighting, line marking and technology systems that will soon support passenger and cargo operations at WSI.

“There are thousands of workers bringing WSI to life each day, many of whom are Western Sydney locals, and this week they can look down that runway and know they built something that will stand the test of time and provide a critical service to many millions of Australians.”

WSI chief executive officer Simon Hickey says the test flight aims to ensure everything is working properly on the runway. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

The $5.3bn project is expected to open in late 2026, with several carriers already signing on to use the airport to access the Australian market.

Singapore Airlines will be flying in and out of the new airport when it opens, joining existing plans for Qantas and Jetstar domestic flights.

The airport will also increase Sydney’s air cargo capacity by around 33 per cent upon opening, with both Qantas Group and Menzies Aviation signing up to operate at the new integrated 24-hour Cargo Precinct.

Western Sydney International is expected to open in late 2026. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

The test flight will be the first of many planes expected to touchdown at the new airport. Picture: NewsWire / Simon Bullard

Mr Hickey said upon completion, the Cargo Precinct is expected to provide more than 19,000 direct and indirect jobs across the precinct and connected supply chains each year.

“We’re pleased to welcome two top-tier operators, Qantas Freight and Menzies, to Sydney’s new, integrated Cargo Precinct that will enable direct connectivity between freighters, the terminal and road transport,” Mr Hickey said.

“Qantas Group is our first freight airline to sign up to our 24-hour Cargo Precinct, which will provide unparalleled opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and other exporters to grow their businesses.”

The new hub will also be capable of facilitating Qantas’ transformed freighter fleet of new and upgraded Airbus A321 and A330 aircraft.

When the airport finally opens, 10 million passengers a year are expected to fly in and out on the one runway.

A total of 348 High Intensity Approach Lights (HIAL) will penetrate the atmosphere far enough from touchdown to give directional, distance, and glidepath information for safe transition from instrument to visual flight.

It’s expected average taxiing time will be about five minutes, making it significantly shorter compared to other airports around the world as result of the specially designed rapid exit taxiways built at a 45-degree angle.

Originally published as Test flight touches down safely at Western Sydney International Airport