Qantas will continue to call NSW home with its global headquarters to remain in Sydney following an in principle agreement with the NSW Government.
The announcement secures thousands of existing and future jobs for NSW and includes several other benefits including Sydney being the exclusive launch city for Qantas’ ultra-long-haul non-stop flights to cities such as London and New York.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the commitment and said it was a clear signal that Sydney remained Australia’s business capital and doorway to the world.
“It is only fitting that Australia’s national airline should be based in Sydney, and a strong vote of confidence in the future of aviation in our city,” Mr Perrottet said.
“From the early days of COVID-19 we realised the industry would be severely impacted and are proud of our efforts to keep borders open, planes in the skies and people in jobs.”
The commitment with Qantas follows the completion of the airline’s property footprint review announced in the wake of the significant challenges as a result of COVID-19.
The Qantas headquarters, which has been based in Sydney since 1938, currently employs more than 3500 people and this number is expected to grow when international borders reopen.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said keeping our national carrier in Australia’s global city sent the right message to business and leisure travelers planning to visit when the time is right.
“This decision sets Qantas up for long term future growth and cements Sydney as Australia’s aviation and aerospace capital,” Mr Ayres said.
The commitment also confirmed:
- The construction of a new Flight Training Centre with aircraft simulators to be based in NSW from 2023;
- Plans for expansion of Qantas Loyalty team in Mascot;
- Qantas working with the NSW Government to develop a comprehensive indigenous and diversity employment program.
- The final binding agreement will be subject to ongoing detailed negotiations.