Greek-Australian Pilot to Fly First Ever Flight From Western Sydney Airport

A Greek-Australian Jetstar pilot will make history on October 25, flying the inaugural commercial passenger flight out of Western Sydney International Airport. Aglaya Papadokokolakis will captain the first departure from the new airport, heading to the Gold Coast, as Jetstar becomes the first airline to launch commercial services from the facility.

Papadokokolakis appeared on local Australian television ahead of the flight, with her notably long Greek surname drawing attention and sparking conversation online. The milestone puts a Greek-Australian at the controls of one of the most significant moments in Western Sydney's aviation history.

Aglaya Papadokokolakis will captain the first departure from the new airport, heading to the Gold Coast.

Jetstar's initial schedule from the new airport covers three routes, connecting Western Sydney to the Gold Coast, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The airport has been long-anticipated for a region that has historically lacked direct access to major air travel infrastructure.

For the Greek-Australian community, the moment carries added significance, with one of their own in the cockpit for the first commercial takeoff from a brand new international airport.