Cargo handler dnata is investing A$32m in a dedicated cargo facility at Western Sydney International (WSI) ahead of the airport’s opening later this year.
The airport will deliver the site as a cold shell, with dnata undertaking a full operational fit-out of the terminal, including critical infrastructure and the installation of a semi-motorised materials handling system.
The warehouse facility is located in the airport’s 24-hour cargo precinct and will measure 5,000 sq m with a further 4,000 sq m of surrounding land included.
“Approximately A$6m of the investment will be allocated to specialised equipment and technology to ensure scalable, efficient and future-ready cargo operations, including capabilities to support specialised cargo such as pharmaceuticals and other time- and temperature-sensitive shipments,” dnata said.
The facility will handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually and will initially create 50 roles with “further employment opportunities anticipated as volumes grow and operations expand”.
Dnata first revealed its interest in operating a facility at the airport in 2020.
Burt Sigsworth, managing director of dnata Airport Operations, Australia, said: “Our investment in Western Sydney International reflects strong confidence in the region’s long-term economic trajectory and the critical role airfreight plays in supporting Australian trade.
“By establishing a purpose-built cargo facility from day one, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, supporting local industry and creating skilled employment opportunities in one of the country’s fastest-growing economic corridors.”
Freighter operations are scheduled to commence in July 2026, ahead of the airport’s full passenger opening later this year.
The cargo precinct will be capable of servicing eight widebody aircraft at any one time and will open with capacity to handle at least 220,000 tonnes of freight a year.
WSI chief executive Simon Hickey added: “Like everything at WSI, the Cargo Precinct is built for growth, and while we’re excited to open stage one and launch operations by the end of July, it also has capacity to expand significantly over the years ahead, in line with market demands.”
Dnata currently has a presence at nine airports across Australia and provides cargo, ground handling, passenger services and inflight catering.
The company processes around 300,000 tonnes of cargo across its Australian network.
