Jake Nelson

On this week’s Australian Aviation Podcast, Defence Connect’s Robert Dougherty speaks with RMIT University’s Viviene Beins and Marcus Serong at ICAS 2026 in Sydney on what the Australian aerospace and defence industry can do to attract and retain the next generation of engineers.

The NZ$3.9 billion overhaul, which will see a new domestic terminal linked directly to the existing international terminal, began in 2024 and is slated for completion in 2028. It will replace the old domestic terminal, much of which dates from the 1960s and ’70s.

Starting Friday, 2 October, Australian Services Union members working for Jetstar at major airports will stop carrying out “a range of non-essential duties”, including routine passenger announcements and calls, and disruption and cancellation management tasks, over the weekend.

Speaking to media this week at the announcement of preliminary works on the second stage to Keilor East, Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said there have been “complexities that had to be worked through” with regard to building at the airport.

The express “Super Shuttle WSI” electric bus service will link the new airport with Parramatta, Sydney CBD, and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, similarly to Melbourne Airport’s “SkyBus” service. Tickets will be available at kiosks in and around the WSI terminal.

Site investigations, procurement and development works on the section, which will include the rail line to the new Keilor East station, will be underway shortly, with community engagement and early designs next year. Major construction will begin in 2028, with trains to run to the station in 2031.