An Air New Zealand plane will be the first to land at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) in October.
The occasion marked the opening of an exciting new gateway between New Zealand and one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
From 26 October, Air New Zealand will operate three return services a week to WSI, becoming the airport's inaugural international airline and giving customers a second Sydney option alongside its existing services to Sydney Kingsford Smith.
The new route will operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week using the airline’s A320 and A321 aircraft. Flights will depart Auckland at 6.00am, arriving at WSI at 7.45am. The return service will depart WSI at 8.55am, arriving back in Auckland at 2.10pm.
Air New Zealand, General Manager Australia Kath O’Brien, said the Western Sydney route represents more than a new airport. It opened up one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and was an important addition to the airline’s trans-Tasman network.
“More than 2.5 million people live in Western Sydney, including a large community of New Zealanders,” O’Brien added.
“Flying directly into the region gives our customers another way to travel across the Tasman, while also strengthening business and tourism connections between New Zealand and Australia.”
“The Western Sydney team has built a world-class terminal that will deliver an outstanding travel experience.”
WSI Chief Executive, Simon Hickey, said he was delighted that Air New Zealand's WSI flights would create more choice and flexibility for family and friends, holiday makers, and business travellers between Australia and New Zealand.
"It's a great time to be strengthening the trans-Tasman connectivity, given both Australia and New Zealand represent each other's largest inbound market, with those numbers increasing each year,” explained Hickey.
“Travellers will be able to move through our state-of-the-art terminal with ease thanks to our efficient, digital check-in experience, enjoy a touch of shopping via our retail partner, Lagardère AWPL, and relax at their departure gate in a comfortable seat with handy charging portals and stunning views of the nearby Blue Mountains.”
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