In today’s world of travel, airlines are more than just carriers of passengers; they are storytellers of culture, pride, and national identity. 

Namibia’s only airline, FlyNamibia, has embraced this approach by appointing ambassadors who serve as the public face of the airline, embodying its mission and values while directly connecting with the people it serves.
With the launch of their ambassador programme in 2022, FlyNamibia found a unique way to deepen its connection with the community. 

These ambassadors are not just promoting the airline; they are living, breathing representations of Namibian culture, pride and authenticity.
According to FlyNamibia’s managing director, Nerine Uys, the official role of an ambassador is to represent the airline with sincerity and passion, locally and internationally. 

“Our ambassadors are not just representatives. They are the voice and face of the
airline, inspiring people, building trust, and strengthening our brand presence,” she
explained.

Importance of brand ambassadors

Uys emphasised the initiative is more than just promotion; it’s about creating authentic connections. Ambassadors help build a bond between the airline and its passengers by sharing genuine stories, highlighting Namibia’s beauty, and embodying pride in flying with a locally owned airline. 

Notably, FlyNamibia does not seek models or social media influencers.
Instead, it looks for individuals who are original, humble, and skilled in authentic storytelling, said Uys.
“These individuals are committed to FlyNamibia, travelling, producing content, and reflecting on what it means to be proudly Namibian. Typically, ambassadors serve a one-year term under a formal agreement, ensuring accountability and offering a unique opportunity: to travel through Namibia, showcase its culture and destinations, and engage with communities,” she said.
For many, becoming an ambassador is a dream chance to express creativity while fostering national pride.
Through ambassadors, FlyNamibia enhances brand visibility, community involvement, and emotional connections with passengers. 

They act as relatable voices, sharing Namibia’s stories in a way that resonates with local and international audiences. Success is not just measured by metrics such as likes, shares, or impressions but also by how effectively ambassadors build trust and promote Namibia as a top travel destination.

Face of FlyNamibia competition

At the heart of this initiative lies the “Face of FlyNamibia” competition, which goes
beyond a search for a spokesperson. 

Uys said it is a celebration of authenticity and creativity, a platform that uplifts individuals who can truly tell Namibia’s stories.
New ambassador Namafu Amutse told VIBEZ it is an honour to be made an ambassador. 

“I see it not only as a chance to explore more of Namibia but also as an opportunity to
celebrate my country on a much larger scale. My goal is to have fun while sharing Namibia as a lively destination with stories worth telling, and the vision is for people to see FlyNamibia as a gateway into unforgettable experiences,” she said.

She shared her enthusiasm for connecting with young, curious, and adventurous audiences eager to explore Namibia. At the same time, she feels it’s important to showcase FlyNamibia to the wider African and international community as an airline that embodies the true spirit of Namibia.

“My plan is to remain true to my personal brand while also being mindful of the responsibility I carry as an ambassador. So, the aim is to align my public presence with FlyNamibia’s values and highlight the parts of my story that best connect with FlyNamibia’s vision,” she said. 

Former and first ambassador Joyce Nghiishiliwa said being an ambassador for the airline was the easiest job she’s ever done. It was also one of her first roles while she was still studying at a local university.
Nghiishiliwa said she didn’t feel she had responsibilities in the traditional sense.
“What I would do is go on a trip with the team, showcase that town, and make videos. It felt like a television show because I got to visit these amazing places, and all I had to do was create content and show Namibians around places they may not have been to,” she said. The FlyNamibia competition marked the shift from Air Namibia to FlyNamibia.
She mentioned that it helped people become more aware of the new brand and its values. She added that she never encountered any challenges during her time as an ambassador.
“This was the easiest and smoothest experience I have had in terms of a job. I’ve learnt a lot from the whole experience. 

Every town we visited was unique, and I gained so much confidence,” she noted.
-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na