Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has come under fire for much of his promises regarding Australia’s newest (and yet to be built) international airport.
Mr Albanese and Infrastructure Minister Catherine King announced that Singapore Airlines would be the first international airline to serve Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), but did so before an agreement was signed.
“Rather than simply making announcements about overseas flights for which there are no contracts, the Albanian government should take action now to put downward pressure on the cost of domestic air travel,” Shadow Transport Minister Bridget McKenzie told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday morning.
Mr Albanese and Ms King announced last month that Singapore Airlines was “confirming its intention” to operate at the airport, which is scheduled to open in 2026.
“This new commercial agreement allows Singapore Airlines to begin developing its future operations at WSI,” the government said at the time.
But before that announcement was made on August 27, no contract had been finalized on landing fees and other charges or on the number of flights.
Critics say acting ahead of schedule meant the upper hand in negotiations went to the foreign airline rather than the Australian airport.
The government announcement made no mention of trade deals, but WSI, in its statement, said trade discussions were “ongoing.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) has come under fire for a major part of his promise regarding Australia’s newest, and yet to be built, international airport.
“Commercial discussions continue regarding the airline’s future operations at Australia’s first greenfield airport in over fifty years,” a WSI spokeswoman said.
However, many airline industry experts said new airlines were typically not announced until commercial deals were signed and tickets were about to go on sale.
An industry source said that usually, “there is a commercial agreement in the bank along with the schedule information.”
“If you say an airline will fly there and there is no deal, who is going to lose the most prestige if that doesn’t work out? In this case, it’s probably the airport,” they told AFP. The Sunday Telegraph.
Singapore Airlines’ announcement comes after the recent collapse of two domestic carriers, Rex and Bonza, which led to skyrocketing flight costs.
“Labor’s inaction on competition has meant travellers are paying more than they should to fly,” McKenzie said.
‘Trying to cover up this inaction with a press release without a signed agreement is foolish to the public.
“There is no timetable, no deadline, no date for take-off… the Prime Minister issues a press release promising to fly without any of the necessary basic work having been done.”
Albanese announced last month that Singapore Airlines was “confirming its intention” to operate at Western Sydney Airport (pictured), which is scheduled to open in 2026.
But no agreement on fares and slots has yet been signed with Singapore Airlines (plane pictured).
Flight Centre director Graham Turner said the government was “trying to present the matter in a positive light, but there are almost certainly no deals in the sense of contracts or commitments”.
“It’s positive that Singapore says it will support the airport, but the devil will be in the details.”
Western Sydney Airport said “operational and planning” discussions are still ongoing with Singapore Airlines.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Albanese, Ms King, Mr Turner and Western Sydney Airport for further comment.