A jet aircraft will touch down at Sydney’s new international airport for the first time at the end of the month, marking a historic moment for the $6 billion project as testing steps up a gear just over a year out from opening to passengers.
The NSW Rural Fire Service will land its Boeing 737 air tanker – named the Marie Bashir – on Western Sydney Airport’s new runway on October 28 as part of a multi-agency emergency exercise. The firebombing 737 will be used to test a full-scale response to a simulated aircraft emergency.
Western Sydney Airport is due to open to passengers late next year.Credit: Wolter Peeters
The exercise involving more than 100 first responders and about 300 volunteers will extend into the following day, and will test the new airport’s preparedness, response and recovery capabilities, while ensuring it meets the certification needed for it to open late next year.
It signals a ramping-up of the curfew-free airport’s operational trial program over the coming months, which will include the testing of infrastructure and systems such as aeronautical lighting across the airfield and terminal.
Western Sydney Airport chief executive Simon Hickey said the exercise was a key part of ongoing testing and commissioning ahead of the opening.
“This will be the most significant emergency exercise WSI [Western Sydney International] has conducted to date and is critical in ensuring that we’re fully prepared to respond safely and efficiently in the unlikely event of an emergency,” he said.
The Marie Bashir – a Boeing 737 air tanker – will be the first jet aircraft to land at Western Sydney Airport when it touches down on October 28.Credit: Nick Moir
“It will also serve to familiarise our emergency service partners with the brand-new WSI precinct.”
Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said testing was escalating following the completion of the new international airport’s runway and terminal.
