Behind every aircraft turnaround is a dedicated Swissport team, and behind every team, there’s a story worth telling. In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, we’re sharing the inspiring journey of Andrei, who joined Swissport as an Aircraft Cleaner and found his stride after opening up about being autistic.

Andrei joined the Swissport team at Stansted Airport in September, eager to begin his career in aviation. But the transition into the fast-paced world of aircraft cleaning wasn’t easy. With tight turnaround times and time-sensitive tasks, he found it difficult to keep up.

What his team didn’t know at first was that Andrei is autistic and has additional learning difficulties. It was something he didn’t initially feel comfortable sharing. “I didn’t mention it directly because I didn’t want to force it on anyone,” he explains.

Support that made all the difference

A turning point came when a colleague took the time to talk with Andrei about the challenges he was facing. In that moment of trust, Andrei shared that he is autistic and spoke openly about the learning difficulties that made certain tasks harder to manage. Recognizing the need for support, his colleague passed the conversation on to a manager.

They responded with patience, taking the time to listen, understand Andrei’s needs, and introduce small but effective adjustments. Tasks were clearly outlined, structured guidance was provided, and regular check-ins helped Andrei build confidence in his role.

“My managers supported and guided me. They were patient and willing to adjust,” he says.

With that support in place, Andrei’s performance quickly improved and he is now one of the top performers on his team.

Building an inclusive workplace

Andrei’s advice to others facing similar challenges? “Follow what’s best for you, and don’t be afraid to speak to people about your autism—they can help you."

His story is a powerful reminder that creating an inclusive environment isn’t about making grand gestures. It’s about listening, adapting and ensuring every person feels seen and supported

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month

As Autism Acceptance Month comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate Andrei and the many individuals who bring unique strengths, perspectives and talents to Swissport. His story reflects the culture of belonging we strive to build, one where the right support can unlock someone’s true potential and give everyone the opportunity to thrive.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Faces Behind Swissport series, where we showcase the incredible people behind our business. Want to see what life at Swissport is like? Visit Our People to learn more.