Qantas has backflipped and says it will replace an expensive powered wheelchair that was broken beyond repair on one of its flights, after questions from the ABC.
Akii Ngo was traveling from Sydney to Melbourne on June 28 after a disability conference. When they tried to put the batteries back into the chair after the flight, it began beeping strangely and would not turn on. It then malfunctioned with Ngo sitting in it and almost slammed them into the side of the aerobridge.
An independent mobility aid supplier assessed the chair as beyond repair and quoted a replacement at almost $6,000. Qantas initially offered only $3,000, citing the Aviation Civil (Carriers’ Liability) Act 1959. Ngo called it “ridiculous” to rely on a 67-year-old law.
Ngo has needed to hire wheelchairs since June. “Without my chair, I can’t leave the house for paid work or see friends,” Ngo said.
After the ABC’s questions, Qantas reversed its position and agreed to fund the replacement.