Air Namibia calls on nation to support local air services
Air Namibia’s Captain William Ekandjo, General Manager of Flight Operations called on the nation to support the national airline as the preferred carrier to facilitate their air transport services.
Ekandjo aired this recently at an event where the company celebrated the International Cabin Crew day in Windhoek.
“By supporting local service providers, we are demonstrating territorial pride and adding value to the national flag. Respecting the values of territorial integrity and national loyalty falls on us all,” he said.
Captain Ekandjo noted Air Namibia operates in a highly competitive market and space where the consumers of air travel are well educated in the high-end market.
“Our consumers are shopping around for service providers, and they have two key indicators which drive their buying and commercial decisions, and these are: service, first and then cost,” he explained.
The celebrations were in recognition of the role played by the cabin crew, which goes beyond the pretty face and friendly smile and the event was celebrated under the theme, “Honouring our cabin crew with a social sense.”
The celebrations included a charity drive by the cabin crew members at Megameno Orphanage Home in Katutura. The cabin crew spent the morning hours playing with the children, cleaning the orphanage home and later ended the day by treating the children with a delightful meal and also donated food items and clothing.
“As brand ambassadors, our Cabin Crew members provide excellent customer service whilst ensuring that passengers’ safety and convenience are attended to throughout the flight. We appreciate your immense contribution, being the face of the airline and Safety Officers as well,” he added.
Mrs Hendrina Munyika was the guest speaker at the event. She is a former Cabin Controller and currently the Head of Department in the faculty of Business Administration at the International University of Management (IUM).
Describing the cabin crew and the importance of the international cabin crew day, Munyika said, “We celebrate the men and women who conquer the great skies with thousand smiles, prayerful hearts, and courage of million soldiers as they journey from place to place with care for total strangers while placing the care of their loved ones the hands of others.”
She concluded by sharing some encouraging words and said, “Your flight is destined for greatness, success and fulfilment in everything you do. Remember, to achieve success you need to love what you are doing.”
The event was concluded with the awards for the outstanding cabin crew members. The Cabin Crew of the Year is Abraham Swartbooi, while Herman Araeb came in second place and Julio Gustavo third.
Caption: FLTR: Reginal Kock, President of Namibia Cabin Crew Union (NCCU); Julio Gustavo, 3rd Runner-Up for Cabin Crew Awards; Abraham Swartbooi, Cabin Crew of the Year Winner and Adv. Mandi Samson, Acting Managing Director.
