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The runway at the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport will begin construction next year, after the business selected two contractors for the project.
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The business said the resulting runway would be only one in the city equipped with technology that would allow aircraft to safely take off and land in foggy conditions that currently “shut down Sydney’s skies”.
CPB Contractors, with its joint venture partner Acciona, won the contract, worth $265 million after what was described as a competitive procurement process.
It’s the third project awarded by Western Sydney to the joint venture, following the earlier award of two earthworks packages. The runway and airport are due to be operational in 2026.
Western Sydney Airport CEO Simon Hickey said the airfield design will reduce taxi times and prevent delays for passengers. It will also be able to accommodate the next generation of ultra-long-haul airliners such as the A350-1000 and Boeing 777X.
The business said it would be the “only airport in Sydney” equipped with a CAT III-B instrument landing system.
”Western Sydney International will continue operating safely in foggy conditions that currently shut down Sydney’s skies,” Hickey said.
“Our airfield will be future-ready, designed for expansion with consideration for emerging technologies such as electric aircraft.”
Western Sydney added sustainability would be a “key focus” on the airfield as well as in the terminal, with the design reducing fuel burn and emissions.
“Lighting will be LED with recycled content used where appropriate for construction,” it said in a statement.
“Crushed sandstone from tunnelling projects across Sydney will be reused as a high-strength foundation to support construction of the runway, taxiways and roads.
“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.
“It also includes 90 kilometres of power and fibre optic cabling to electrify the airport and enable the delivery of tomorrow’s technology to what will be Australia’s new gateway to the world.
“Airfield construction is expected to create around 1,200 direct jobs and support many more indirect jobs through flow-on benefits to suppliers, subcontractors and the local economy.”
Western Sydney is planned to open to international, domestic and air cargo services in late 2026.
