Blacktown pilot Aglaya Papadokokolakis flew the first commercial aircraft out of Western Sydney International Airport on Sunday. She said the milestone was a career highlight, launching operations in her home region. Her father is also a pilot, and she encouraged young women to pursue aviation despite its male-dominated reputation. The airport opened after about eight years of construction and is set to run around the clock. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened it at a Sunday morning ceremony, and its first international flight arrived on Monday.
Western Sydney International Airport has opened for its first commercial flights. The inaugural Jetstar service to the Gold Coast sold out in 45 minutes. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the airport at a ceremony on Sunday morning. The airport is about 50 kilometres from the city centre and will operate without a curfew. It is expected to host 10 million passengers a year by the 2030s and support up to 8,500 jobs. Its first overseas flight is due to land on Monday morning.
The first passenger flight took off from Western Sydney International Airport this morning, about 20 minutes behind schedule. Jetstar flight JQ362 headed for the Gold Coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the airport, which was first chosen for Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek 40 years ago. Politicians from all sides attended the opening. Airlines including Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways will operate from the airport, and the first international flight to New Zealand is due tomorrow.
AU Now app
Your suburb’s news, alerts and Shorts — in one app
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
The first passenger flight took off from Western Sydney International Airport this morning, about 20 minutes behind schedule. Jetstar flight JQ362 headed for the Gold Coast. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese officially opened the airport, which was first chosen for Sydney's second airport at Badgerys Creek 40 years ago. Politicians from all sides attended the opening. Airlines including Qantas, Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways will operate from the airport, and the first international flight to New Zealand is due tomorrow.
Western Sydney International Airport opens to passengers on Sunday, with a large artistic tribute to pioneering pilot Nancy Bird Walton above the domestic departure gates. Several roads, a control tower and children's play areas also carry her name. Walton was one of the first Australian women to hold a commercial pilot's licence. She delivered medical aid to remote communities in western New South Wales and founded the Australian Women Pilots' Association in 1950. Walton died in 2009, aged 93. Her grandson said her legacy shows women what was possible.
