Kumar’s hard work, resilience and dedication
He is one of the 10 dedicated staff, Fiji Airports awarded in its recent 25th anniversary celebrations for their loyalty, dedication and sheer commitment to the company ever since it started operations on April 12, 1999.
From a young age, Ashok Kumar of Legalega, Nadi started work with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji in 1994 as a gardener and his dedication and commitment allowed him to grow professionally in the aviation industry.
Today, Mr Kumar is the team leader at the Fiji Airports’ incinerator.
As an incinerator operator, his work requires him to burn wastes from aircrafts that land at the Nadi International Airport.
Airports generate food waste, garbage, paper waste, seized contrabands and quarantined items.
At Nadi International Airport, the specialised incinerator serves to ensure a clean and safe airport.
“It is not a normal incinerator and we need to be on our feet when we’re at the incinerator premises because of the kinds of waste that are collected from aircrafts and the terminal.
“From this work, we are able to know more about waste management and the types of waste we receive at the incinerator.
“In 1998, I got transferred here as an assistant incinerator operator to this new building and signed up with Fiji Airports on April 12, 1999 and today I am still enjoying the work I love,” he said.
“I did not think about joining another company because I love this work and it has provided for me and my family. I was able to send my three children to school, two of my sons are IT experts and one a technician.”
The 55-year-old was recognised last Friday at the Fiji Airports 25th Anniversary celebration for his long service contribution to the organisation’s journey.
Mr Kumar acknowledged the company’s recognition and said, “I am honoured to be part of the Fiji Airports family. There are a lot of people that have come and gone and they also contributed to our success journey and I would like to acknowledge them too!”
Also recognised and awarded for their long service with Mr Kumar are;
Ms. Sanjana Mishra – Acting General Manager Finance (Nadi);
Mr. Wiliam Reece - Manager Air Navigation Engineering (Nadi);
Mr. Anand Kumar - Airside/ Driver (Nadi);
Mr. Rohit Prasad - Senior Management Accountant (Nadi);
Mr. Enele Naborisi - Senior Airport Rescue & Fire Fighter (Labasa Airport);
Mr. Benito Salele – Senior Airport Rescue & Fire Fighter/ Maintenance (Savusavu Airport);
Mr. Kelemedi Ramatau - Team Leader (Savusavu Airport);
Mr. Seru Lagitukana – Airport Rescue & Fire Fighter (Bureta Airport); and
Mr. Josefata Leqawai - Team Leader Safety & Standards, Safety & Risk Management (Nadi).
I did not think about joining another company because I love this work and it has provided for me and my family. I was able to send my three children to school, two of my sons are IT experts and one a technician
– Ashok Kumar –