Swissport Australia has been appointed as Qantas’ preferred ground handling partner at three airports in the country including: Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. The five-year agreement will cover up to 70,000 flights per year.
“For almost 20 years, Swissport has been the largest local provider of ground services for the Qantas Group. Our teams will now support the group at 20 airports in Australia and New Zealand, along with several airports in Europe, Asia, Africa and the US,” said Glenn Ruterhford, Executive Vice President Swissport Asia-Pacific.
In order to achieve the highest levels of operational and service performance for its customers, Swissport has developed and invested in critical systems, processes and technology. “Qantas is seeking better performance in ground operations particularly as they fight to recover from the impact of COVID-19,” continued Rutherford. “Their decision to outsource is in line with most other major airlines around the world. It is a fantastic opportunity for our extraordinary workforce, which has been incredibly loyal and supportive over many years, and for whom 2020 has been particularly challenging.”
News of Swissport’s appointment by Qantas follows September’s announcement that the ground handler was chosen as preferred ramp services provider for Jetstar’s operations in Sydney, Cairns and Avalon, adding to an extensive Jetstar network of 11 stations in Australia and New Zealand. This means that Swissport Australia is providing airport ground services for 25 airline customers at 24 airports across Australia with a workforce of some 4,000 qualified staff. In addition, Swissport will be expanding its air cargo and lounge business in Australia too. In 2021, the Switzerland based company will open two cargo warehouses in Sydney and Melbourne. Its first airport lounge at Perth Airport is expected to open its doors for airline passengers when international flying resumes.
