AS a teenage employee of Fiji Airways, Benjamin Tufue, never thought that he would one day be at the helm of his department.
He was only 19, fresh out of school and very inexperienced when he first joined the national airline in 1999. But diligence and loyalty made him stick with his employer, through good times and through bad times.
Today, 23 years down the line, Benjamin is the senior manager onboard safety and service His fascination with the aviation sector sprouted from a very young age, back at home in Naselai, Nuku in Tailevu.
Growing up, he lived near the Nausori International Airport. He joined the national carrier as a cabin crew in 1999 straight after completing his secondary education at Marist Brothers High School.
“Because our home was by the Nausori Airport, I was always interested in how aircrafts flew and so initially I wanted to become a pilot,” Benjamin said.
“I joined just to get in as a cabin crew. Eight years down the line I got my commercial pilot license and I knew that I had achieved my dream with Fiji Airways.
“But when my eldest son was born I came to the realisation that my wife was also flying, and most of the time we were out of the country.”
Benjamin has held six different roles during his tenure with the national airline. In addition to his career accolades, he receiving his long service award this year. Currently, he looks after more than 350 cabin crews whose ages range mostly from 22 to 24.
“I’m just grateful for Fiji Airways….everybody has impacted me throughout my journey, my development and my leadership styles.
“Ultimately I think for me its purpose; if you love what you love, what you do and continue to do and hang on to the values that you believe in, your dreams do come true. When Benjamin started, he took every criticism as a feedback and worked out his best to improve his weaknesses.
He said the life of a cabin crew was never easy because it was dedicated to service and dealing with criticism, which were integral part of the journey.
“One of the pillars that we teach is feedback and how we receive feedback.
“We view feedback as a gift. For each and every person who travels with us, we always seek out where we can improve. We try to embed that through our service culture.”
Benjamin has travelled to many destinations. He says his work allows him to visit places such as Egypt, China, Canada and other countries of the world. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the time brought in uncertainties and a lot of tough decision had to be made.
“But as we reflect on it now, necessary decisions were undertaken and we had taken a giant leap to open up the aviation industry, but more so the tourism industry because it is critical to Fiji’s economy.”
The national airlines senior manager added that apart from his family, he was grateful to his former school Marist for instilling in him important values in life.
He said he always wears the Marist colour with pride because the institution taught him a life of service.
His advice to young Fijians who might be interested in joining the national airlines; “If you are passionate about something, give it your all, what matters on the day is the steps you take.”
