The latest on Western Sydney Airport - Nov 2017

30 November, 2017

Sydney's proposed second airport at Badgery's Creek Airport is expected to commence construction in 2018. WSA Co was incorporated by the Australian government in Aug-2017, charged with the design and construction of the new airport. Let's take a look at the most recent updates regarding this important development for tourism, trade and transport in Sydney and all of Australia.

The Blue Swan Daily brings you the latest update on the Western Sydney Airport including:

Australia Government issues statement of expectations to WSA Co to develop Western Sydney Airport

Australia Government issued (01-Nov-2017) its statement of expectations to WSA Co, the wholly-owned government company that will oversee the development of Western Sydney Airport. Details include:

  • WSA Co will operate with private sector principles and at arm's length from the government;
  • WSA Co is expected to work with NSW and local governments and the wider community to realise economic and social benefits;
  • WSA Co must also capture opportunities to innovate in the airport's design for a 21st century airport;
  • WSA Co will establish its head office in Liverpool and the majority of staff, including senior staff, will be based in Western Sydney.

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann and Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher stated: "Our strong expectation is that WSA Co, through the major construction contracts it will inter into, will create the maximum opportunities for local employment".

PwC forecasts 82m pax p/a at Western Sydney Airport by 2064

PwC forecast (Nov-2017) potential passenger growth at Western Sydney Airport:

  • 2026: Five million passengers p/a;
  • 2031: 10 million p/a;
  • 2050: 37 million p/a, triggering the need for second runway;
  • 2064: 82 million p/a.

PwC confirmed the airport is expected initially to cater predominantly for the low cost leisure market, with some full service domestic and international carriers operating. The profile will shift over time with increasing demand for different aviation services from Western Sydney's growing population and as Sydney Airport becomes increasingly capacity constrained. Airfreight is also expected to be a key part of the airport's operations.

PwC: No curfew at Western Sydney Airport to encourage full service international airlines

PwC stated (Nov-2017) there is a "clear business case" for Western Sydney Airport (WSA) to capture demand spill from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA). PwC noted much of early passenger demand at Western Sydney Airport will "come from Western Sydney's growing population and will be served largely by low cost carriers". PwC noted Jetstar plans to use the facility as a new base, however full service international airlines could enter the airport earlier than when KSA reaches capacity between 2042 and 2048, due to WSA's proposed non curfew status and slot availability. PwC said a midnight service from WSA to Singapore would "be ideal for business travellers" as an example.

Western Sydney Airport appoints three further directors

Australia's Government appointed (15-Nov-2017) the following three further directors to the board of WSA [Western Sydney Airport] Co Limited:

  • Vince Graham: Previously worked in executive roles at Networks NSW and RailCorp NSW;
  • Anthea Hammon: MD of Scenic World Blue Mountains;
  • John Weber: Deputy chair of Airservices Australia and previously Australian managing partner of DLA Piper.

The new appointees join Paul O'Sullivan, Fiona Balfour, Tim Eddy and Christine Spring on the WSA Co board.

Western Sydney Airport headquarters opens in Liverpool

Australia's Minister for Urban Infrastructure Paul Fletcher confirmed (20-Nov-2017) the official opening of the headquarters of WSA Co, the company overseeing development of the new Western Sydney Airport. Mr Fletcher said the opening of WSA Co's office in Liverpool is an important next step in delivering the airport by 2026. The company is expected to employ around 200 people at its peak. WSA Co was established in Aug-2017 and has already released the first tenders to market for enabling works that will see construction activities commence in 2018. WSA Co is expected to expand over the coming months, with the appointment of its CEO and further staff joining the Liverpool office.