Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has achieved a new milestone as flight testing commenced on its runway. A light aircraft was deployed to ensure the airfield is fully operational and ready for future use. A Piper PA-30 Twin Engine Comanche aircraft performed a series of takeoffs and landings, testing approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) installed along the runway.
The tests were conducted under varying conditions, including daylight, dusk, and night, to confirm the system’s functionality. These crucial checks are designed to guarantee the airfield is ready to accommodate aircraft when the airport officially opens in late 2026. WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the ongoing, rigorous runway testing regime is another significant milestone for the airport and an important step for its construction partner, CPB Acciona Joint Venture, as the runway nears practical completion.
“This week’s flight tests are an important commissioning requirement stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to help ensure our runway lighting infrastructure is fit for operations,” Mr Hickey said. “These tests are the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by our contract partners to level the land, build multiple complex layers of sandstone and asphalt to form the 3.7km runway, and install lighting, line marking and technology systems that will soon support passenger and cargo operations at WSI.
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