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Scandinavian Airlines, usually known as SAS – the flag carrier of Sweden, Norway and Denmark – has officially closed its office in Australia and farewelled two well-known industry names who have been with the airline for 22 years.

From now on, SAS calls will be handled out of Europe.

The Walshe Group, GSA for SAS, farewelled SAS district manager, Irmgard Goetjes, and customer service agent, Marianne Nalletamby – both long-time and well-loved employees of 22 years standing.

“We have been so lucky to have worked with Irmgard on Scandinavian Airlines,” Jacqui Walshe, chairman and managing director of The Walshe Group told well-wishers.

“Irmgard not only brought an enormous amount of experience and expertise to the SAS account but she also brought an amazing amount of warmth and energy to our organisation, and for that we’ll truly miss her.”

A farewell was attended by members of the Star Alliance Central Steering Committee (CSC) for Australia of which Irmgard, as a country head of SAS, was a former member.

Irmgard began her SAS career in 1996 as a ticket office supervisor moving through the ranks to sales representative, sales manager and in 2008, SAS  general manager and Star Alliance board member. Both Irmgard and Marianne have been with The Walshe Group for eight years to the day, when The Walshe Group took over as GSA for SAS.

“I have always been incredibly passionate about Scandinavian Airlines and I think it is an amazing employer – a testament to my 22 years with the organisation,” Irmgard said.

“Travel and tourism has been the most wonderful industry to be a part of and I’ll be forever grateful to the unique experiences it has provided me, allowing me to see the world.  Thank you also to Jacqui Walshe and The Walshe Group team, who I consider family.”

Left to right, back row: Anil Rodricks – Lufthansa Group of Airlines; Rick Pomery –  Air Canada; Chris Petty – United Airlines; Sem Chupikulchai – Thai  Airways International;

Front row: Jum Mu – Air China Deputy Chair of Star CSC, Irmgard Goetjes  – SAS, Marianne Nalletamby – SAS and Jacqui Walshe – The Walshe Group

 

Written by Peter Needham