Construction of Western Sydney’s runway and taxiways is set to start next year after the contract to build the airfield was awarded following a competitive procurement process, a press release confirmed.

Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the efficient airfield design, featuring the latest technology, will reduce taxi times and prevent delays on the tarmac that can be frustrating for passengers and costly for airlines.

“Our airfield’s design means we’ll safely get planes in the air or to the gates faster,” Mr Hickey said.

WSI’s runway will handle the full range of commercial aircraft, including the new generation of ultra-long-haul airliners like the A350-1000 and Boeing 777X. It will be the only airport in Sydney with a modern landing system that can allow it to operate safely in foggy conditions, the airport added.

“Our airfield will be future-ready, designed for expansion with consideration for emerging technologies such as electric aircraft.” Mr Hickey said, adding that sustainability will remain a key focus on the airfield and in the terminal.

Along with the runway and taxiways, airfield construction will include more than 40 kilometres of roads and the installation of 3,000 aeronautical ground lights, as well as 90 kilometres of power and fibre optic cabling.

The airfield construction is expected to create around 1,200 direct jobs, with the airport on track to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.

Once completed, the airport estimates around 220,000 tonnes of cargo when it starts operations, with plans to grow to 1.8 million tonnes of air cargo annually in the future.