The eagle has landed at Western Sydney International airport: as part of a multiagency emergency exercise, just after 8am this morning NSW Rural Fire Service 737 aircraft landed on the WSI runway, the first time a jet has landed at the new airport.
The landing marked the beginning of the simulated exercise, which is part of an ongoing program to prepare for opening the airport in the second half of 2026.
The exercise will conclude tomorrow afternoon, during which WSI will test a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated aircraft incident.
The exercise will rigorously test the airport’s preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities in accordance with the WSI Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP) and ensure the airport meets CASA Certification processes required for next year’s opening.
WSI’s operational staff alongside approximately 300 volunteers and emergency services partners from the NSW Police Force, Fire and Rescue NSW, RFS, and NSW Ambulance as well as federal agencies including Airservices Australia, the Australian Federal Police, and Australian Border Force will take part in the simulation, which will also involve about 50 emergency service vehicles.
The roles and protocols of frontline agencies, including immediate response, incident notification, forward command management, ambulance triage, disaster victim identification and registration, passenger welfare, crisis management and recovery arrangements will all thoroughly be put to the test.
Simon Hickey, the WSI CEO, said this week’s exercise is another critical component of the airport’s ongoing trial program as the exciting countdown to opening in the second half of 2026 continues.
“This will be the most significant simulation we’ve carried out to date and it’s a positive opportunity for our airport staff and all first responders to test our collective resources, protocols and general preparedness in a safe, controlled environment,” he said.
“It also marks a significant milestone for Sydney’s new 24-hour airport, with our first 737 jet aircraft landing at WSI’s technologically enabled airfield – a big moment that included welcoming many community onlookers and media on site to capture the historic arrival.’’