Sydney's New International Airport Embraces Digital Innovation with Workday

In a significant move towards establishing world-class digital capabilities, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has announced its adoption of the Workday enterprise platform. The decision positions WSI at the forefront of technological innovation in airport management as it prepares for its grand opening in late 2026.

WSI, set to become Sydney's second major international airport and the first to offer 24/7 passenger and air cargo services, has selected Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) and Finance as the cornerstone of its operational infrastructure. This strategic choice aims to create a seamless, efficient, and reliable environment for both customers and employees.

The airport began its journey with Workday in 2019, during the initial planning and construction phase. As WSI's team expands in anticipation of live operations in 2026, the use of Workday's platform is being scaled up accordingly. The system's AI-embedded core is expected to play a crucial role in automating
repetitive tasks, facilitating data-driven decision-making, and accelerating business growth.

Tom McCormack, WSI's Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the importance of this implementation: "Workday has enabled us to establish a robust, integrated system that supports our vision. As we approach the opening in late 2026, Workday's platform will help ensure we maintain operational excellence and provide a seamless experience for both our direct employees and broader airport
workers and customers."

The Workday platform will serve multiple critical functions for WSI: Unified Data Management: By creating a single source of truth, WSI aims to eliminate data quality and transfer issues often associated with multiple systems, thereby streamlining operations. Supply Chain Resilience: The platform will enable careful management and reporting on budget utilisation and value creation through supply chain engagement, ensuring readiness for passenger and cargo operations in 2026. Efficient Procurement: WSI has already successfully used Workday for supplier procurement and management through to the contracting phase. Financial Planning: Workday's planning tool will allow the airport to track and monitor actual costs against planned budgets, facilitating annual and long-term reporting and forecasting.

Enhanced Security Management: Workday will serve as the single source of truth for employee verification, credentials, training, and capabilities, ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.

Jo-Anne Ruhl, vice president and managing director for Australia and New Zealand at Workday, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "When WSI opens its doors in late 2026, it will connect thousands of people each day to destinations all across Australia and the world, accommodating up to 10 million passengers each year to begin with. We're proud to be partnering with the airport to help build its world-class digital capabilities and be a part of this important new infrastructure for Australia."

The adoption of Workday aligns with WSI's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in creating a modern, efficient airport. As Western Sydney's new international gateway, WSI is poised to become a catalyst for job creation and economic growth in one of Australia's most diverse and fastest-growing regions.

With its customer-centric approach and the backing of Workday's advanced digital solutions, Western Sydney International Airport is set to redefine the airport experience, promising speed, seamlessness, and reliability for passengers, airlines, and air cargo partners alike when it opens its doors in late 2026.