Airlines

Qantas, Jetstar sign up as first airlines to fly out of Western Sydney airport

Qantas and Jetstar first airlines to sign up to Sydney’s new airport
Up to 15 aircraft and 700 jobs in the region
Airport on track to open in late 2026
Both airlines and airport working to use sustainable fuels to power flights

A historic deal between the Qantas Group and Western Sydney International Airport will allow both Qantas and Jetstar to operate domestic flights from the new airport once it opens in late 2026.

Within the first year, the Qantas Group intends to fly domestic routes to cities like Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast using up to 15 narrowbody aircraft (10 Jetstar and 5 Qantas).

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It is anticipated that these aircraft will operate more than 25,000 flights through WSI each year, carrying close to four million passengers. In the run-up to the first flights, local recruitment will take undertaken for the estimated 700 operational roles that will be required.

“Western Sydney International Airport has some big strategic advantages with no curfew, technology that allows aircraft to be turned around quickly and a next-generation baggage system.

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With the criticality of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to the future of the aviation industry, the airport and airlines have agreed to work together to develop projects in Western Sydney that can supply SAF to WSI which can be used to power flights. SAF helps to lower emissions by up to 80 per cent on a lifecycle basis compared to fossil fuels and is key to decarbonizing the aviation industry.

The airport and the Qantas Group are continuing discussions on international and freight operations at WSI. While WSI will be an airport serving all of Sydney, it is set to strongly benefit communities across Western Sydney. To date the project has spent more than $400 million with businesses based in the region. Half of the workforce bringing the airport to life are Western Sydney locals and almost a third are learning on the job, through apprenticeships, traineeships and other vocational training.

Airlines

Air India to Launch aircraft maintenance training institute in Bengaluru

Air India, one of India’s leading global airlines, is set to establish a Basic Maintenance Training Organization (BMTO) in Bengaluru.

This institute will offer a comprehensive Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The program will follow an integrated 2+2 year structure, combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on training.

This initiative is part of Air India’s broader goal of creating a robust aviation ecosystem in India. With plans to expand its fleet and strengthen its operations, the airline aims to build a skilled workforce of maintenance engineers, making the organization self-reliant while supporting its ambitious transformation journey.

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To bring this vision to life, air india has partnered with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL), a subsidiary of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL). Together, they will develop a state-of-the-art facility spanning 86,000 square feet at Bengaluru Airport City.

This purpose-built campus will feature modern classrooms, well-equipped laboratories, and qualified trainers to deliver world-class education and training. The institute is expected to become operational by mid-2026.

The BMTO will be located close to Air India’s new 12-bay Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, also set to open in Bengaluru by early 2026. The AME program will begin with two years of academic coursework, followed by two years of practical training at the MRO, ensuring students receive hands-on experience adhering to industry standards.

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In the meantime, Air India has introduced a Cadet AME program in collaboration with reputable institutions in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

This ensures continuity in its commitment to developing skilled aircraft maintenance engineers while the BMTO facility is under construction. The program also allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree through university partnerships, enhancing their career and academic opportunities.

With this initiative, air india plane aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in aircraft maintenance and engineering, air india new planes contributing to the development of India’s aviation sector and creating specialized career paths for aspiring engineers.