Educating Those Who Handle Our Chairs, A Big Step Forward with Qantas & Swissport

Introduction

On Wednesday, 12 November 2025, I had the privilege of being invited by Simon, Learning & Development Manager (Ground) for Qantas Airways Limited, to speak directly with the baggage handlers employed by Swissport International Ltd at Sydney Domestic Terminal.

Swissport, a Swiss-owned company, provides airport ground handling, lounge hospitality, and cargo/baggage services for Qantas across Australia. The session was incredibly positive, with staff showing real interest in understanding why wheelchairs must be handled with care, accuracy, and respect.

Positive Feedback and a New Opportunity

A few days later, Simon called to pass on excellent feedback from Swissport management. Their manager even asked for my details, expressing interest in creating a video to share the same message with staff across their network.

Simon mentioned that Swissport could also be part of a larger project he and I had discussed previously, a video for Qantas to distribute to staff and contracted handlers at all Qantas ports of call.

Filming at Qantas Headquarters

On Monday, 1 December 2025, I was invited to Qantas Headquarters in Mascot to meet with Simon, two members of the digital marketing team, and three of their film crew.

After introductions (and a much-needed coffee), we filmed a training video aimed at educating baggage handlers about:

• How essential our wheelchairs are
• Why is it more than an inconvenience
• Why empathy, care, and awareness are key to safe and respectful travel

The questions asked off-camera included:

• 1. How does handling a wheelchair differ from handling suitcases or sporting gear?
  2. What is the emotional impact of arriving somewhere without a functioning wheelchair?
  3. Have you experienced disruption or harm due to mishandling?
  4. How does it feel when your wheelchair arrives in perfect condition?
  5. If a wheelchair is damaged, what immediate challenges do you face?
  6. What is the one message you would share about why wheelchair care matters?

I was genuinely impressed by the professionalism and empathy shown by both the digital and film teams. They understood the responsibility they carry and the very real consequences of getting things wrong.

What Happens Next

The footage is now with Qantas’ editing team. Once the final version is ready, likely after Christmas and the New Year, I’ll be given the chance to review it.

As soon as the video is approved and officially released, I’ll share it right here on thetravellingpara.com for you to watch.

This is a meaningful step towards better treatment of mobility equipment and more respectful, accessible travel for all wheelchair users.

Cheers,
Stuart, The Travelling Para