Qantas has appointed Swissport as its preferred partner for ground services at Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra airports.
The five-year agreement was reached after a rigorous tender process by the Australian flag-carrier and will cover up to 70,000 flights per year.
In 2021, the Switzerland based company will open two cargo warehouses in Sydney and Melbourne.
The outsourcing review by Qantas focused on safety, operational performance, cost, experience and financial viability and involved ramp services and fleet presentation at ten Australian airports.
The work will be awarded subject to consultation and finalization of contracts.
“We are proud to be trusted by the Qantas Group with their ground operations at Australia’s two busiest airports, in addition to the nation’s capital, and to further grow our partnership in Australia,” said Glenn Rutherford, Executive Vice President Swissport Asia-Pacific.
“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.”
Added Rutherford: “Qantas is seeking better performance in ground operations particularly as they fight to recover from the impact of Covid-19. Their decision to outsource is in line with most other major airlines around the world.
“It is fantastic opportunity for our extraordinary workforce which has been incredibly loyal and supportive over many years, and for whom 2020 has been particularly challenging.”
The news follows Swissport’s expanded contract with Qantas Group low-cost carrier Jetstar. In September, Swissport was chosen as preferred ramp services provider for Jetstar’s operations in Sydney, Cairns and Avalon, adding to an existing Jetstar network of 11 stations in Australia and New Zealand.
Swissport Australia provides airport ground services for 25 airline customers at 24 airports across Australia with a workforce of some 4,000 qualified staff.
