Qantas to Meet Disabled Campaigner's Needs

22nd Sep 2015

Australian airline Qantas issued a note this Monday, saying they will meet the needs of the disabled campaigner Kim Jargo, who contacted the company after she booked a flight to Melbourne from Hong Kong, but was told hoists were unavailable at the Hong Kong airport.

In an interview for ABC news, Kim said:

"My condition is deteriorating. I don't know how long I'm going to be here for and I'm trying the very best to fulfill a few of my bucket list dreams and his was one of them, going on the Queen Elizabeth. Unfortunately, the Queen Elizabeth doesn't return and I have no choice but to fly home [from Hong Kong]"

A spokesman for the Honk Kong airport said:

"Embarkation and disembarkation of the PRMs (passengers with reduced mobility) is part of the airline's ground operation activities. The lifting device for transferring immobile passengers between the aircraft aisle chair to the seat is therefore under the responsibility of the airlines."

A spokesperson for Qantas commented for Reduced Mobility Rights:

"Every year Qantas carries more than 16,000 customers who require specific assistance across our regional, domestic and international networks. At our international airports, we use a third party ground handling agents to manage and oversee the boarding disembarkation process. Each company trains their staff and develops their own processes and methods to ensure the needs of customers who require assistance are met."

The spokesperson added:

"We will be taking to our grand handling companies and airports to investigate whether an Eagle Lift can be procured for Qantas' use at our overseas ports as international airlines are able to access Qantas' equipment at airports in Australia. We will continue to work with Ms. Jargo to ensure we make her trip next year as comfortable as possible."

Airports all over the world use medical-grade hoists. For example, Eagle Hoist (made in Australia) improves and dignifies the boarding process for people with disabilities.