NAIMO MOGNE – “Discipline is everything”

“Discipline is everything. You cannot make exceptions, there is a manual and we have to follow it to the letter.”

Naimo Mogne, 60 years old, is the kind of professional who can be satisfied with the career he’s had.

Retired 11 years ago, he was an employee of Mozambican Airlines (LAM) since 1981. He took an Accounting course at the Maputo Commercial School and ended up at LAM through a public opening for Cabin Crew, where he only worked until 1982, having then left the company, because LAM was affiliated with the Clube de Maxaquene, while Naimo Mogne wanted to continue playing basketball for his Desportivo de Maputo. He returned to the company in 1987 and was assigned to the Onboard Assistance Department, more closely associated with catering.

It was only in 1990 that he returned to the cabin crew. But he performed other functions. He was a verifier, chief purser and instructor. “I came out at the top of my career and I’m proud of everything I’ve done.”

He flew with well-known personalities, especially former presidents Samora Machel, Joaquim Chissano and Armando Guebuza. But the trip he highlights is a different one. “Once, a big criminal was arrested in Beira and had to be transported to Maputo. The police wanted to board the plane armed and with the passenger handcuffed. But regulations don’t allow it. We had to treat the detainee like a normal passenger. That was a mess, they had to surround the man during the trip.”

For him, the biggest secret to becoming a good professional is being responsible and dedicated. “Discipline is everything. You cannot make exceptions, there is a manual and we have to follow it to the letter.”

Advice to the new cabin helper staff? “Follow the rules and be dedicated, be responsible, because people who travel can only count on you. But work as a team, study every day.”

Married, father of two and grandfather of five grandchildren, there is a certainty in his life. “I like accounting, but I wouldn’t change the profession (Assistant and Flight Attendant) for any other.”

Issue 73 May/Jun | Download.