In an office overlooking Faleolo International Airport, colleagues gathered this week to celebrate a significant milestone for the Air New Zealand team: 25 years of service by Air New Zealand Operations  Manager, Muagututi’a Oliver  Fidow.

For a quarter of a century, Fidow, known to many simply as Oli, has been a steady presence at the heart of Air New Zealand’s airport operations in Samoa. His anniversary marks not just longevity, but a legacy of dedication, leadership, and commitment to both the airline and the community it serves.

Air New Zealand’s relationship with Samoa stretches back more than 70 years, beginning with its first flight to the islands in 1952. Direct Auckland to Apia services began in 1979, with aircraft evolving over the decades from early Boeing models to today’s Airbus A321, Boeing 787  Dreamliner, and 777-300. The route now brings more than 100,000 passengers into Samoa every year and carries over 200,000 kilograms of cargo out supporting tourism, exports, and countless family connections.

Fidow has witnessed much of that growth up close. He began his aviation career in 1987 with Polynesian Airlines before joining Air New Zealand in 2000. Since then, he has worked with five different country managers, numerous operational teams, and multiple shifts in government and industry—all while keeping the airline’s presence in Samoa running smoothly.

“On behalf of the wider Air New Zealand team, we extend our sincere appreciation and warmest congratulations on Oli’s outstanding 25 years of service,” said current Country Manager Samantha Kumar Imo-Munif.  

“We are so fortunate to have Oli’s experience and leadership guiding our team here. We’d also like to thank his family, including his wife, Sharon Mary Schwalger Fidow, for sharing him with us.”

Messages of praise and affection poured in from around the region. Long-time friend and colleague Papali’i Francis Fepuleai wrote of Fidow: “25 years is a long journey - one of hard work, loyalty, and true commitment. You are, without a doubt, one of Air New Zealand Samoa’s most valuable assets. Malo le tau tua, uso. May God continue to bless and extend your life as you serve with purpose.”

Beyond celebrating Fidow’s service, the occasion also acknowledged the generations of Samoan staff — past and present—who have supported Air New Zealand season after season. “This is also a moment to thank our loyal customers,” Imo-Munif added.  

“Your trust and support allow us to keep connecting Samoa to the world and supporting our Samoan community.”

“Malo le tauata’i, Oli. Ia avea au e fai ma sui e momoli atu ai le faamalo ma le faafetai tele i lau tautua, ma le le faalogologotiga i nei tausa ga e tele i le kamupani vaalele a le Ea Niu Sila. Manuia tele le 25 tausaga o lau tau tua, Oli. Ia faamanuia le Atua ia te oe faapea lou aiga.”

For Fidow, the milestone is less about speeches and more about the work. Those who know him say he prefers to stay out of the spotlight. But for one day, at least, the spotlight is his— shining on a man whose quiet dedication has helped carry Samoa’s travellers across oceans for 25 years.