Confidence in airport sky high

Defence giant BAE Systems, leaders in 3D printing GE Additive and German logistics powerhouse DB Schenker are among companies committed to invest in the Western Sydney Aerotopolis.

In addition, 10 major Australian freight companies recently signed memoranda of understanding with the NSW Government to establish an on-airport freight hub at Western Sydney International.

Defence giant BAE Systems, leaders in 3D printing GE Additive and German logistics powerhouse DB Schenker are among companies committed to invest in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

In addition, 10 major Australian freight companies recently signed memoranda of understanding with the NSW Government to establish an on-airport freight hub at Western Sydney International.

Ms Berejiklian has said industry leaders are “beating down our doors” to invest in the Airport and Western Sydney.

Under recently signed agreements for the Aerotropolis:

• BAE Systems will deliver a new space and research centre
• GE Additive will develop industrial-scale 3D printing
• DB Schenker will create “the most high-tech bio-secure agribusiness facility in Australia”, and
• The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre will establish a world-class advanced manufacturing centre.

This international interest follows a December 2018 agreement between the NSW Government and 18 NSW space companies, research and education institutions, as well as the CSIRO, to establish a new Space Industry Hub at the Aerotropolis.

Combined with the Government’s recent memoranda of understanding to form an on-airport freight precinct at Western Sydney International, these agreements are expected to bring significant jobs growth to the region and position Western Sydney as a hub for research and development and innovation.

Read more about interest in the Aerotropolis .

Read more about the BAE agreement.

Read more about the GE Additive agreement.

Read more about DB Schenker’s commitment to Western Sydney .

Another MoU, with German technology company Siemens is also being finalised to bring advanced technologies and innovations in vocational education and training to the Aerotropolis.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said a strong VET system will be essential for ensuring the success of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.

“The key to ensuring that additional jobs created through the Aerotropolis are sustainable is to provide workers with the skills they need for future industries,” Mr Ayres said. “That’s why the NSW Government will establish a permanent VET facility in the Aerotropolis with a focus on advanced manufacturing, technology and engineering.”

Read more about the Siemens MOU.

Image: Interest on the rise: BAE Systems Australia CEO Gabby Costigan with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian celebrating the signing of an MoU between the global defence and aerospace company with the NSW Government to deliver a space research and development facility as part of the aerotropolis.