Australian carrier Qantas has landed the first freighter aircraft at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, completing a readiness flight ahead of regular domestic freight operations scheduled to begin on 27 July.

According to Parcel and Postal Technology International, flight QF7301, operated by an Airbus A321, touched down at 2:00pm, validating key operational processes at the airport's new Cargo Precinct including aircraft handling, ground operations, systems, airside coordination and cargo transfer procedures. The trial forms part of a broader operational readiness programme designed to prepare the facility for commercial freight activity.

Igor Kwiatkowski, executive manager at Qantas Freight, said: "Western Sydney International Airport is set to become one of Australia's key air freight hubs and today's flight was an important opportunity to test key procedures ahead of starting operations. In just a few weeks, this new 24-hour facility will provide greater flexibility for our freight network, helping us meet growing demand for e-commerce and next-day deliveries."

Qantas will operate from a new 24,000m² freight terminal at the airport, with the facility expected to handle more than 850 metric tons of freight each week once regular operations commence. Kwiatkowski added that the airport would increase Sydney's overall air cargo capacity, supporting the movement of time-critical supplies both domestically and internationally in the months ahead.

Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, said: "We've utilised the latest technology and innovations to deliver a highly efficient, sustainable and future-proofed 24-hour Cargo Precinct. Our operational readiness program and live aircraft trials present an excellent opportunity to test these capabilities. I also want to acknowledge the huge amount of cooperation and coordination across WSI, together with our colleagues at Airservices Australia and our trusted Cargo Precinct partners to deliver this trial program. We look forward to welcoming our first commercial services later this month."