American Airlines is the latest premium international airline to choose Swissport as its ground services provider in Australia. Los Angeles–Sydney services resumed last month following a four-month pause due to Australian border restrictions.

American Airlines has appointed Swissport as its ground services partner in Australia. At Sydney Airport, Swissport provides ramp handling and passenger services for the airline’s Sydney–Los Angeles services, which resumed last month following a four-month pause due to Australian border restrictions.

American Airlines has a long history flying down under, with the first flights launching in 1970. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline was operating daily Los Angeles–Sydney flights utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with plans to add additional routes to Australia and New Zealand.

“Swissport is honored and excited to be chosen as American Airlines’ partner in Australia,” said Brad Moore, Managing Director for Asia-Pacific at Swissport. “One of the world’s largest airlines was aware of our local and international reputation for quality and has entrusted our world-class team with their Sydney operations.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Swissport, a global leader in safety and quality ground services,” said Samantha O’Connell, General Manager – SYD for American Airlines. “We look forward to working together to deliver the best in service excellence for our customers travelling through Sydney.”

Outside Australia, Swissport supports American Airlines in Canada, the United States and Europe.

In March 2020, Australia closed its borders to non-nationals and non-residents and only permitted limited international arrivals, mainly citizens returning from abroad. International services were further affected in September 2021 when the government imposed strict rules on the number of passengers an airline could fly in. Border restrictions have since been eased.

Swissport also recently commenced handling Hawaiian Airlines services into Sydney.