Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is Australia’s first new major greenfield international airport in more than 50 years, and it’s set to support passenger and freight demand while driving economic growth in Western Sydney and beyond.
WSI is Sydney’s only 24/7 international gateway. Opened to freight flights since July 2026 and welcoming passengers from October, it will connect communities, businesses and global markets, helping unlock opportunities for one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Enabling a new era of aviation and freight
Located within the airport’s Cargo Precinct, Duratec was engaged to provide the critical fuel distribution infrastructure through the delivery of the Fuel Hydrant Reticulation System. The system was required to support safe and efficient aircraft refuelling operations from day one and prepare for the airport’s operational readiness.
Delivered for the CPB Acciona Joint Venture on behalf of Western Sydney International Airport, the project formed part of the broader infrastructure network that will help connect Western Sydney to domestic and international markets while supporting the movement of goods across Australia and the world.
From September 2024 to November 2025, Duratec delivered:
- Supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the Fuel Hydrant Reticulation System
- Installation of approximately 1km of DN450 aviation fuel pipeline
- Installation of 32 aircraft hydrant refuelling points
- Installation of six Low Point Drains (LPDs) and three High Point Vents (HPVs)
- Installation of system control and isolation valves
- Electrical, communications and instrumentation infrastructure
- Implementation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system for long-term asset integrity
- System testing, commissioning and operational readiness activities
Confident delivery
The project was delivered under significant schedule pressure, with critical fuel infrastructure components subject to long procurement lead times and strict operational readiness requirements. The team needed to ensure the fuel system was ready to support the airport’s first cargo operations while coordinating works alongside multiple contractors across the developing Cargo Precinct.
Duratec adopted an early procurement strategy for critical equipment and worked closely with suppliers, stakeholders and project partners to manage delivery risks and keep the project on schedule. Construction activities were carefully planned, while a progressive testing and commissioning approach enabled components to be inspected and verified throughout the project lifecycle.
This collaborative and disciplined approach ensured the fuel hydrant system was installed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the airport’s operational readiness requirements.
Infrastructure that keeps Australia connected and moving
Following successful testing and commissioning, the system was integrated into the broader airport fuel network, creating the vital fuel distribution infrastructure required to support cargo aircraft operations and future airport growth.
Sherif Younan, Project Engineer at Duratec, said: “Projects like this show how critical infrastructure often operates behind the scenes, but plays an important role in enabling major transport and freight networks to function safely and efficiently.
“Delivering the Fuel Hydrant Reticulation System required close coordination across multiple stakeholders, careful planning and a strong focus on quality to ensure the infrastructure was ready to support the airport’s operational requirements from day one.
“We’re proud to have contributed to a project that will help connect Western Sydney with domestic and international markets, support economic growth and provide the infrastructure foundations for the airport’s long-term success.”
As Western Sydney International Airport opens to the world, the infrastructure below the surface will play an important role in supporting the connection of people, goods and opportunities for decades to come.
