The fund will receive $12.5 million in the current state budget and seeks to grow international and interstate airline seats by 8.5 million over the next few years.
This fund is on top of the $8 million that the NSW Government has contributed to the $16 million Western Sydney International Take-Off Fund, announced earlier this year, which aims to attract international airlines to the new Western Sydney airport, which is on track to open in the second half of 2026.
“This is how we grow our visitor economy – by increasing airline capacity and unlocking new international markets for NSW,” said NSW’s tourism minister, Steve Kamper.
“The NSW Take Off Fund builds on the wins we’ve already delivered. In the last year alone, we’ve helped secure new routes from Auckland to Western Sydney, from Denpasar to Newcastle, and from Istanbul and Shanghai to Sydney.
“More seats mean more visitors, and that means a stronger tourism sector, stronger regions and more jobs. This fund will ensure NSW remains a top destination for travellers and a top partner for airlines around the world.”
Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, applauded the new aviation attraction initiative, saying it was “fundamental” to reaching the targets in the state’s 2030 visitor economy strategy.
“Aviation is a cornerstone of Sydney and NSW’s prosperity,” said Charlton.
“Every dollar invested into aviation attraction at Sydney Airport generates a $9 return, with a typical international service supporting 1,200 full time jobs and delivering $130 million in annual economic benefit.”
With just two international carriers locked in for Western Sydney International Airport, with a little more than a year to go until opening, time is increasingly of the essence for Sydney’s new curfew-free airport at Badgerys Creek, where construction is already complete.
“We’re talking to more and more airlines each week that recognise the benefits of flying into Sydney’s new 24-hour international gateway when we open next year,” said Western Sydney International Airport’s CEO Simon Hickey.
“This investment from the government will strengthen those discussions and help bring greater connectivity for Australia’s global city, which means more choice for travellers and a more vibrant tourism economy, creating growth and terrific job opportunities across the industry.”
The fund also comes at a optimal time for the state’s third international gateway, Newcastle Airport.
“With our international terminal fully operational from August, we are working closely with Destination NSW to deliver on our promise to be the airport our region deserves and secure new international services that will boost visitation and deliver lasting benefits to the Hunter region and beyond,” said Newcastle Airport CEO, Linc Horton.
The NSW Tourism Association also welcomed the NSW Take Off Fund.
“We have been advocating for sustained investment in aviation attraction as a cornerstone of a strong visitor economy,” said NSW Tourism Association CEO, Natalie Godward.
“This new Take Off Fund sends a clear signal to airlines and tourism operators that NSW is serious about securing new routes, increasing seat capacity and sharing the benefits of visitation across the whole state.”
Increased aviation also benefits business events by increasing accessibility for interstate and international delegates, thereby boosting the state’s attractiveness as an event host.
