Mercedes-Benz starts production in Zárate
May 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM
dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, plans to invest approximately USD 20.5 million in the construction of a dedicated cargo terminal at Western Sydney International Airport (Nancy-Bird Walton). This initiative underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the market in New South Wales and the Australian aviation industry.
The new terminal will operate on an area of 5,000 square meters within the airport’s 24-hour cargo zone, complemented by an additional 4,000 square meters of adjacent land. The airport will hand over the site as a „cold shell,“ while dnata will take over the complete operational fit-out of the terminal, including the necessary infrastructure and the installation of a semi-automated material handling system.
Of the total amount, approximately USD 3.8 million will be allocated to specialized equipment and technology to ensure scalable and future-proof cargo handling. This also includes support for special cargo such as pharmaceuticals and other time- and temperature-sensitive shipments.
Cargo flight operations are expected to begin in July 2026, even before the airport is fully opened for passenger flights. The terminal will be capable of handling up to 60,000 tons of cargo annually, strengthening capacity in New South Wales, which plays a central role in the Australian air freight network.
Job creation and economic impacts
In the initial phase of operations, approximately 50 direct jobs are expected to be created, with further employment opportunities anticipated as cargo volumes grow and operations expand. In addition to direct jobs, the facility will also bring economic benefits to the areas of freight forwarding, logistics, ground handling, and related services in Western Sydney.
Burt Sigsworth, Managing Director of dnata Airport Operations in Australia, commented on the investment: „Our commitment at Western Sydney International reflects confidence in the long-term economic development of the region and highlights the important role that air freight plays in Australian trade.“
Simon Hickey, CEO of WSI, described dnata as a valuable addition to the airport’s new 24-hour cargo area. He emphasized that the company’s services will benefit both international and domestic airlines and strengthen the country’s critical supply chains.
The cargo zone at WSI will feature warehousing facilities and will be able to simultaneously serve up to eight wide-body aircraft. The opening will occur with a capacity of at least 220,000 tons of cargo per year.
This announcement complements dnata’s earlier commitment to invest in the development of a modern catering center within the cargo area of WSI. This new facility will be capable of producing up to three million meals annually, supporting airlines operating at Australia’s first 24-hour airport.
dnata has been operating in Australia for many years and provides cargo, ground handling, passenger, and catering services at nine airports across the country. The company supports more than 107,000 flight movements per year and processes approximately 300,000 tons of cargo within its Australian network.
