Both QANTAS and QATAR are lobbying for a 2nd airport.
QANTAS and Jetstar have confirmed for the first time that they would fly services out of a western Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek in a blow to critics who claim the facility would become a ghost airport because major airlines wouldn't use it.
The Daily Telegraph has confirmed that Middle-East carrier Qatar, which flies routes from Australia to Europe and the UK, has also privately told the Federal Government it was interested in running 24 hour operations from a Badgery's Creek airport.
Executives from both carriers are believed to have told the Federal Government that they would be willing to commit services to a Badgery's Creek airport.
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The services would include low-cost flights and potential services to Asia and Europe as well as freight and logistic operations.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce yesterday confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the company's flagship carrier Qantas and budget airline Jetstar could run services from a second airport at Badgerys Creek.
"There are many cities around the world that have more than one successful airport operating with flag carriers and low-cost airlines too," Mr Joyce said.
"There is no reason why this couldn't be the case for a new airport at Badgerys Creek and see both Qantas and Jetstar operating.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says his airline could run services from a second airport at Badgerys Creek. Picture: Annette Dew
Qantas boss Alan Joyce says his airline could run services from a second airport at Badgerys Creek. Picture: Annette Dew Source: News Limited
"We are always looking for new ways to provide more options for customers, as well as reduce costs - so a new airport at Badgerys could definitely provide us with this."
Qantas would be expected to still keep services flying out of Sydney Airport at Mascot. While Mr Joyce has been a strong advocate for a second airport, it is the first time the airline has confirmed it would also run services out of a second airport at Badgerys Creek.
Mr Joyce last week publicly confirmed that Qantas would be "keen" to operate some services from a second Sydney airport but only if it was in the right location and had the right infrastructure.
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The confirmation that major airlines would service a second airport at Badgerys Creek puts them at odds with Sydney Airport Corporation chairman Max Moore-Wilton, who has argued against a second airport in competition with Sydney Airport, claiming that no one would use Badgerys Creek - which was first proposed 30 years ago.
Mr Moore-Wilton has described proponents of the second airport as "smoking" something.
Major airlines have privately complained to the government that the monopoly situation at Sydney Airport has resulted in exorbitant landing and lease fees for airlines. They have argued that a second airport at Badgerys Creek would provide competition and ultimately lower costs and prices being passed on to customers.