dnata to Allocate A$32 Million for Cargo Terminal in Western Sydney

dnata, a prominent global air and travel services company, has declared a significant investment of approximately A$32 million to establish a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI). This initiative reaffirms its enduring commitment to the New South Wales region and the wider Australian aviation sector.

The operations will be based in a 5,000 sqm warehouse situated within WSI's 24-hour Cargo Precinct, complemented by an additional 4,000 sqm of adjacent land. The airport will provide the site as a cold shell, while dnata is responsible for fully developing the facility, including essential infrastructure and a semi-motorised materials handling system.

Of the total investment, approximately A$6 million will be allocated to state-of-the-art equipment and technology aimed at guaranteeing efficient operations capable of handling specialized cargo such as pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive commodities.

Freighter activities are projected to commence in July 2026, ahead of the airport's complete passenger launch later in the year. Once operational at full capacity, the terminal is expected to manage up to 60,000 tonnes of cargo annually, significantly enhancing air freight capabilities in New South Wales.

The project is anticipated to generate around 50 direct jobs during its initial phase, with further employment opportunities arising as operations expand. It will also contribute to job growth in logistics, freight forwarding, and ground handling operations throughout Western Sydney.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey commented that dnata's presence bolsters the airport's 24-hour cargo hub and aids national supply chains, while also creating employment and enhancing freight connections. The cargo precinct will enjoy close proximity to major transportation routes and nearby logistics hubs such as Kemps Creek and the Aerotropolis.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King stated that this project will link Western Sydney to global trade routes and support the burgeoning logistics sector in Australia.

The WSI cargo precinct has been designed for sustained growth, with the capability to accommodate a minimum of 220,000 tonnes of freight each year and service up to eight wide-body aircraft concurrently.

This investment further builds on dnata’s previous plans to introduce an advanced inflight catering facility at WSI, expected to produce as many as 3 million meals annually.

Currently, dnata operates at nine airports across Australia, managing around 300,000 tonnes of cargo and more than 107,000 aircraft movements each year. The company also provides over 54 million airline meals annually and employs roughly 8,000 personnel nationwide, underscoring its vital role in Australia’s aviation and logistics sectors.