Global aviation services provider dnata is set to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport, backing Australia's newest major aviation hub with a A$32 million investment ahead of its full passenger launch later this year.
The facility will operate from a 5,000 sqm warehouse within the airport's 24-hour Cargo Precinct, with an additional 4,000 sqm of surrounding land. dnata will carry out a full fit-out of the terminal, including a semi-motorised materials handling system, with around A$6 million ring-fenced for specialised equipment to support pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive shipments.
Freighter operations are scheduled to begin in July 2026, with the terminal designed to handle up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually at maturity. Around 50 direct roles will be created in the initial phase, with further employment expected as volumes grow.
Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations Australia, said the investment reflects confidence in Western Sydney's economic trajectory and the role air freight plays in supporting Australian trade. He added that a purpose-built facility from day one would strengthen supply chain resilience and create skilled jobs in one of the country's fastest-growing corridors.
WSI Chief Executive Simon Hickey welcomed dnata as an addition to the cargo precinct, noting the facility would serve both international and domestic airlines and boost national supply chains. He highlighted the precinct's direct access via the upgraded Northern Road and its proximity to freight centres at Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King described dnata's arrival as connecting Western Sydney to the world, and pointed to the airport's alignment with broader government investments including the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal.
dnata currently operates across nine Australian airports, supporting more than 107,000 aircraft movements and processing around 300,000 tonnes of cargo annually.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
