Texel Air to become the first international carrier at Western Sydney

Texel Air Australasia has become the first international cargo airline to commence operations from the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), marking another milestone ahead of the airport's first scheduled passenger services later this year.

The New Zealand-headquartered cargo operator was among the first freight companies to begin operating from the airport's new 24-hour cargo precinct as commercial freight services officially commenced on 27 July.

One of Texel Airs aircraft departing from Christchurch International Airport on a regular cargo flight to Auckland | Photo: Hamish Kirk, @hamish.aviation

Texel Air Australasia is a cargo airline that commenced operations in New Zealand in 2023 out of Auckland International Airport. The airline is a subsidiary of Bahrain-based cargo airline Texel Air and operates regular freight flights between Auckalnd, Christchurch, Palmerston North and all across Australia out of hubs like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

In New Zealand, Texel Air began its operations with just one Boeing 737-300 freighter but has now grown into the airline operating a fleet of six Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs), four of which are leased to Team Global Express.

Texel Air's arrival at WSI comes as Western Sydney International continues its phased opening, following the commencement of the airport's first domestic aircraft movements. With cargo operations now underway, the airport is steadily building towards the launch of scheduled passenger services in October, when Jetstar will operate the inaugural passenger flight and Air New Zealand will become the airport's first international passenger carrier.

Western Sydney International has been designed as Australia's first major greenfield international airport in decades and will operate without a curfew, allowing freight operators to move cargo around the clock—an advantage expected to improve supply chain efficiency across Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Texel Air Chairman John Chisholm said unrestricted operating hours would provide significant benefits for the freight industry.

"In the freight business, time is the most valuable commodity, and a 24-hour airport allows freight to move when it is ready," Chisholm said.

"That means more efficient supply chains, greater reliability and ultimately a better outcome for Australian businesses and consumers."

The airline joins a growing list of cargo operators establishing a presence at the airport, including Qantas Freight, Menzies Aviation and dnata Cargo, as Western Sydney positions itself as Australia's newest freight gateway.

Initially, the airport's cargo precinct will be capable of accommodating up to eight Boeing 747 or 777 freighters, or 16 Boeing 737 or Airbus A320-sized freighters simultaneously, with capacity expected to expand as demand grows.

A Texel Air Boeing 737-800BCF loading at Christchurch Airports new freight apron | Photo: William Pierre, @aviation.chc

Western Sydney International Chief Executive Simon Hickey said the airport's continuous operations would allow faster movement of high-value and time-sensitive freight, from fresh seafood to pharmaceuticals, while creating thousands of jobs across Western Sydney.

For Texel Air Australasia, which operates Boeing 737 freighters throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, the new base strengthens its ability to provide overnight freight services and improve connectivity between domestic and international markets.

While freight operations are now underway, passenger flights are scheduled to commence on 25 October 2026. Air New Zealand will become the airport's first international passenger airline, operating three weekly services between Auckland and Western Sydney, while Jetstar will operate the inaugural passenger flight.