Western Sydney International Airport secures Singapore Airlines as first international carrier
Western Sydney International Airport has secured its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate at Sydney’s new 24-hour airport.
This milestone marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between Western Sydney Airport and the Skytrax certified 5-Star Airline, as commercial discussions continue regarding the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in more than fifty years.
Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, highlighted the significance of this arrangement, emphasising the airport’s unique scheduling opportunities:
This inaugural international airline arrangement is a fantastic milestone for Western Sydney International Airport and reflects the positive response we’ve had from airlines, especially in regard to the unprecedented opportunities our 24-hour capability unlocks.
Hickey also pointed out the advantages for business travellers, noting that the airport’s late-night departure capacity could enable Singapore Airlines passengers to complete a full day’s work in Sydney, take an overnight flight, and arrive in Singapore in time for a morning meeting.
Additionally, these late-night departures will offer passengers more efficient transit options via Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport, connecting them to one of the 125 destinations served by the Singapore Airlines Group. The airport’s commitment to a smooth and simple customer experience, supported by the latest technology, has been another key factor in attracting Singapore Airlines.
Hickey explained,
Our combined international and domestic terminal will give Singapore Airlines customers a seamless transfer experience, while our state-of-the-art baggage system and efficient design, including five-minute taxi times on the tarmac, means passengers will be able to get on their flight faster and relax and enjoy the award-winning service on board
The new airport, located in Western Sydney’s culturally diverse region, home to more than 150 different ancestries, will also open up new travel opportunities for local residents who frequently visit family or friends overseas. With the airport construction now more than 80 per cent complete, including the recent terminal roof installation, Hickey expressed excitement about the progress and the future experience for passengers flying from WSI in late 2026.
Global Travel Management Sales Director Paul Baker said,
This new partnership between Western Sydney International Airport and Singapore Airlines is great news for UK-based business travellers. It opens up more flexible travel options, allowing our clients to maximise their productivity with convenient late-night departures and seamless connections through Singapore’s Changi Airport. This development will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for our customers who do business in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore Airlines Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Louis Arul, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to enhancing network connectivity and providing additional services for Australia, a major market for the Singapore Airlines Group.
This agreement reflects our commitment to enhancing network connectivity for travellers to and from Sydney, and providing additional services for Australia,” said Mr Arul. He also highlighted the unique opportunity to collaborate with a greenfield airport to set a new standard for customer experience throughout the airport ecosystem.
This agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023, which set the framework for exploring the airport’s future functionality, customer experience, sustainability, operational efficiency, and mutual commercial opportunities. Western Sydney International Airport is on track to commence domestic, international, and air cargo services by late 2026.
For more information on how this development could impact your business travel, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.
