MEDIA RELEASE SERRIE LEAVING AIR NIUGINI AFTER 38 YEARS. Meet Serrie Wartovo, a mother of four from Tinganalom village in Kokopo, East New Britain Province. Serrie was among seven employees at Air Niugini Office in Kokopo who choose to take voluntary separation last week. Serrie left Air Niugini, a place she called home after having worked with the airline for the last 38 years. She commenced work with Air Niugini in early 1978 as a telex operator in the airline’s Madang office. Serrie and the team were responsible for booking and confirming passenger names for flights. However, as it was during the early days, most operations were carried out manually. Serrie recalled “ There was no computer, we would type passenger names on cards and send a telex to staff at reservations in Port Moresby. They went through the flights and if there were seats available, they would confirm and send back the telex to us, we then inform the passenger concerned. It was a painstaking and laborious, but we enjoyed our job.” Serrie worked as a primary school teacher for five years prior to taking up the job at Air Niugini. She walked in as a 23 year old girl and left last week after clocking in 38 years with the airline. Looking back, Serrie said she was so grateful to Air Niugini for taking her on route, grooming and opening doors of blessings and opportunities, some of the things she wouldn’t have experienced, if it wasn’t for the airline. “ Whilst with Air Niugini, I have bought a block and built a permanent house in the village. I paid for my children’s school fees as far as the university and managed to pay all my four sons’ bride price. Working with Air Niugini, helped me financially to take care of everything.” Serrie said. Now at 61, Serrie said she is happy to leave Air Niugini and give way for the young people to come through. Serrie plans to use her retirement to help church and community activities in the village. When asked about what she intends to do with her retirement funds, Serrie said she also already planned for that, but not after taking a break for atleast six months. Serrie and another staff from Air Niugini Rabaul, Valian Tutunava were awarded Member of British Empire(MBE) in the Queen’s Honor’s List last year for their service to the airline. Valian also left Air Niugini this year after serving the airline for 38 years; however her separation was on medical grounds. It may take these women some time to re-adjust themselves to life outside a formal working environment; however they have served the national airline with pride and loyalty and have now walked out with their heads still high. Their departure opens the door to young Papua New Guineans to join our National airline. Air Niugini acknowledges them for their contribution and wish them well in their retirement. Ends…///
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:15:04 +0000