By Elzanne McCulloch
A name can shape a first impression. For Chief Thomas, the Flight Operations Manager at FlyNamibia and Westair Aviation, his name often sparks intrigue. But as he quickly clarifies in meetings, “Chief” is just a name—not a title. That distinction, however, doesn’t diminish the leadership role he has steadily carved out in Namibia’s aviation industry. From humble beginnings to holding one of the most crucial positions in airline operations, Chief’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Born and raised in Swakopmund, Chief’s dream of becoming a pilot was not sparked by childhood fantasies of soaring through the skies but rather by glimpses of aviation on television and in movies. It was a dream that, at first, seemed almost impossible. But through perseverance, hard work, and a fortunate sponsorship from the Namibian government, he found himself training as a pilot in the United States. A little over a year later, he returned home—qualified but facing the daunting challenge of finding an opportunity to enter the industry.
His first break came at Westair Aviation, though not in the cockpit. Instead, he found himself behind a desk, working in flight following, dispatch, and scheduling. His ability to adapt and excel in various roles made him indispensable. He honed his skills in operational logistics and compliance, earning him progressive responsibilities, including a pivotal role as Chief Pilot Assistant. It was there that he gained firsthand experience in compliance, documentation, and regulatory procedures – experience that would later prove invaluable.
After months of office work, Chief finally took the controls of an aircraft. He started with the Cessna 210 and worked his way up to multi-engine aircraft. But his role was never limited to flying alone – his trajectory always pointed toward leadership. His involvement in operations continued to expand, from ground management to his current position as Flight Operations Manager.
In this role, Chief is the linchpin between various departments – flight operations, ground staff, pilots, cabin crew, engineering, scheduling, sales, and ticketing. His job is to ensure that every flight meets strict regulatory compliance and that Westair and FlyNamibia remain at the forefront of operational excellence. “It may look easy,” he says with a smile, “but behind every smooth operation is meticulous planning that starts months in advance.”
Long hours, high stakes,
constant adaptation…
and above all
– Passion for aviation.
At Westair and FlyNamibia, the phrase “we set the standard” is more than just a tagline – it’s a philosophy. Standards in aviation aren’t merely about following regulations; they are about pushing beyond the set regulations to create even safer, more efficient, and more innovative operations. Chief takes pride in the fact that their approach to aviation has set benchmarks for others to follow.
Every country has its unique aviation landscape, and Namibia is no different. Chief and his team take inspiration from global best practices but adapt them to local realities. It’s about finding ways to enhance safety, optimise efficiency, and anticipate challenges before they arise. His role is not just about enforcing regulations but shaping how they are implemented to ensure that FlyNamibia remains an industry leader.
Aviation is not just a job – it’s a passion. “Every aviator I’ve met has a deep love for what they do,” Chief reflects. “It’s not just about flying – it’s about the engineering, the logistics, the planning, the teamwork.”
The passion for aviation manifests in different ways: some love the thrill of takeoff, others the precision of flight planning, and some, like Chief, thrive in ensuring that everything operates seamlessly behind the scenes.
Passion is also what sustains a career in aviation. The industry demands long hours, high stakes, and constant adaptation. Without passion, it’s easy to lose focus. But for those who truly love it, like Chief, the challenges are just part of the excitement. “Even when things go wrong, even when there are audits and impossible tasks, I enjoy it,” he says. “Because at the end of the day, when everything runs smoothly, it’s worth it.”
Chief Thomas has seen FlyNamibia and Westair grow from a company with a handful of pilots to one that now boasts over a hundred. He was there when there were only 100 people on payroll, to now when the company boast over 500 full-time employees. His goal is to ensure that this growth is sustainable – to keep building efficiency, to keep connecting Namibia to the world, and to ensure that the aviation industry remains a cornerstone of the country’s development. He wants to be part of the company’s growth so that even more people, businesses and communities can be afforded the same opportunities for growth, which has been the impetus of his own journey.
“My goal?” he says, smiling. “To delay the white hair as long as possible.” But behind that humour is a deep- seated ambition… To refine, improve, and grow FlyNamibia and Westair into an operation that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
As Namibia’s aviation industry continues to expand, it is clear that Chief Thomas is not just a leader by name but by action. His journey from a young dreamer to the man ensuring that every flight meets the highest standards is one of dedication, perseverance, and a true love for the skies. And as Westair Aviation and FlyNamibia continue to set the standard, there’s no doubt that Chief, despite his easygoing nature and easier smile, will stay in charge.
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