The most populous city in Australia and one of Oceania’s financial hubs,
Sydney stands as a synonym of the country’s multiculturalism and economic
strength. When visiting the city by business aviation, it is important to
understand the peculiarities of the available airports and its options.
Regardless of where you fly from, counting on a planning company is key for a
smooth trip, especially when flying to a distant country like Australia.
Sydney Airport: The City’s Main Gateway
Sydney’s main airport, used for all commercial operations in the region, is
Kingford Smith International (SYD/YSSY). As one of the main gateways of
Australia, it also includes a considerable range of fixed-base operators (FBOs)
which can help with on the ground logistics.
Located in the Mascot suburb of Sydney, the airport is placed at a very
convenient position near many destinations close to the city. With only being 19
minutes by car to the city’s Central Business District, it’s also a great option for
those traveling in for business meetings.
ExecuJet, Jet Aviation and Universal Aviation, the three FBOs at the airport, all
offer their own VIP facilities for passengers, with 24/7 services available.
ExecuJet even has a private apron and hangar for its customers, which can
provide additional privacy for travelers that desire to have it.
While most business operations are not subject to the overnight curfew at SYD
as of today, slot restrictions can pose a major problem during several times
throughout the day. For example, there are no slots available at several very
popular times including from 07:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m and from 5:00 p.m. and
7:30 p.m., according to Australian Aviation.
Bankstown: A Quieter, More Flexible Alternative
If the slots restrictions are an issue and you prefer to have more flexibility, there
is one alternative airport in the suburb of Bankstown, just west of Sydney.
Bankstown Airport (BWU/YSBK) is widely used by general aviation, with the
largest of its three runways measuring 4,644 feet and being able to
accommodate many aircraft.
A road trip from Bankstown Airport to Sydney’s Central Business District takes
around 35 minutes, which is a manageable trip for many travelers. While it may
be further away from the city, the airport does offer more affordable fees to
make it a more desirable option.
In addition, the airport operates 24/7, with much lighter traffic than in Sydney.
FBO operations are provided by NavAir, which includes an executive lounge
and international operations, with customs and immigration right on-site.
Bottom Line
While Sydney’s Kingford Smith International is much more convenient in terms
of distance to the city’s landmarks, Bankstown is a viable option if you prefer to
avoid the slots constraints and much higher traffic of one of Australia’s largest
international gateways.
Whether you prefer Sydney’s convenience or Bankstown’s flexibility, you can
count on Flightworx’s flight planning services when visiting the largest
metropolis of Australia. The team will prepare the trip your way, with 24/7 flight
planning assistance so you can relax and spend your time on what matters
most to you.
