Charmaine Thomé, well-known as an airline personality in South Africa and gm of Aviareps SA, died of cancer yesterday, May 26, at the age of 50.
Charmaine’s trademarks were her dazzling smile and her warm, engaging and vibrant personality. She had an exceptionally wide circle of friends in travel and she was well-loved too in aviation circles.
She was a sales executive at SWISS from 2003 and in 2006 joined Nationwide Airlines until its demise in April 2008. She joined Aviareps in 2009 and was instrumental in the formation of Aviareps South Africa, where she became general manager. Charmaine had a passion for airlines and worked extremely hard, always trying to find the best outcome for every client. She mentored those around her and gave of herself constantly, unfailingly going the extra mile for staff.
Gilles Gosselin, Aviareps’ vp Africa said he felt he was lucky to have worked with Charmaine. “She was an energetic and positive person. Thanks to her charisma, professionalism and her friendly manner, she built our Aviareps office from scratch, into a successful venture. I called her my African Star, and I’m sure she is now shining at peace in the southern constellations.”
Charmaine leaves behind her husband, her two adult sons and her 10-year-old daughter.
