Qantas and Australia Post have extended their 100 year air freight partnership for a further 10 years, to support the growing demand for next-day delivery of e-commerce across Australia.
The announcement comes as Qantas operates its first commercial freight flight on behalf of Australia Post from Western Sydney International (Nancy Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) this evening, officially opening the new 24/7 cargo terminal.
Australia Post parcels will be on the first service, QF7340, departing WSI at 10.25pm for Brisbane. Qantas Freight expects to move more than 160,000 parcels through the 24,000 square metre facility in its first 24 hours, with 12 arrivals overnight from 10pm.
Domestic services will operate to and from WSI to Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Perth, as well as onward flights to regional centres, processing more than 850 tonnes of freight a week. International flights are expected to begin early next year.
Qantas Freight will operate a dedicated fleet of two A330 freighters and six A321 freighters, with three more on the way, plus priority space in the cargo hold of more than 300 aircraft across the Qantas passenger fleet. Qantas' freight network serves more than 110 destinations across Australia and around the world.
Under the long-term contract, Qantas Freight will support delivery of over 75 million tonnes of parcels and cargo each year, across Australia and overseas, with volume expected to grow as online shopping and next-day delivery demand continues to rise
The Qantas and Australia Post partnership dates back to November 1922, when Qantas flew 106 letters on behalf of Australia Post on its inaugural commercial flight from Charleville to Cloncurry in Queensland.
Qantas CEO of International and Freight Cam Wallace and Australia Post Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Graham were on site to officially open the new freight terminal.
Qantas Chief Executive Officer of International and Freight Cam Wallace said:
"Australians are increasingly reliant on airfreight with the continued growth of e-commerce and we're proud to be extending our partnership with Australia Post.
"We've transformed our freighter fleet over the past few years, with newer, larger and more efficient aircraft to support Australia Post and their customers' needs.
"It's a historic day for aviation in Australia as our first freight services take off from Western Sydney International Airport. This new terminal will help us meet growing demand for next-day deliveries and move express cargo across Australia and the world.
"Western Sydney International is a major piece of infrastructure for this country and we're proud to be opening our new freight terminal and comes ahead of Jetstar first passenger services in October and Qantas to follow early next year."
Australia Post Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Paul Graham said:
"For more than a century, Australia Post and Qantas have worked together to connect communities across Australia, and this new agreement ensures we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers for years to come.
"As online shopping grows and expectations for faster, more reliable delivery continue to rise, this partnership gives us the capacity, flexibility and resilience to keep parcels and freight moving across Australia and around the world.
"The opening of Western Sydney International's new cargo terminal is an important step for the future of our network. With 24-hour operations and greater freight capability, we're strengthening our ability to serve customers, support Australian businesses and build a delivery network that is fit for the future."
WSI Chief Executive Officer Simon Hickey said:
"WSI's state-of-the-art Cargo Precinct will create opportunities for Greater Sydney's businesses, workers and broader supply chains as it connects Western Sydney to the world.
"Air freight underpins many of NSW's highest-value industries, with our 24-hour Cargo Precinct initially capable of moving about a quarter of a million tonnes of freight per year, representing a massive boost to Sydney's overall air cargo capacity.
"We're delighted to have Qantas Freight as one of our top-tier hub's launch partners, with their freighters taking to the skies today - ensuring NSW consumers enjoy more convenience and swifter delivery of their coveted online purchases."
