Former President Jerry John Rawlings has commended Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways staff for their dedication to duty and their sense of professionalism. President Rawlings says staff and crew of the two airlines have become an integral part of his travel schedule as African Union High Representative for Somalia and had throughout 2011 ensured that he travelled safely and comfortably across the continent. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Myjoyonline.com on his Christmas Message, the former President also prayed for peace in conflict areas on the continent particularly Somalia. President Rawlings noted that his role in Somalia took him to destinations such as Bujumbura in Burundi, Khartoum in Sudan, Brazzaville in Congo and a host of other African destinations. “Most of these trips have been made on either Ethiopian or Kenyan and I must confess their sense of professionalism has always made these trips less stressful,” President Rawlings explained. “I have felt safe and secure travelling with these two airlines and as the year comes to a climax I have to say thank you for flying us safely from one destination to the other over the period,” he said. Interestingly, President Rawlings has had a relationship with crew of a number of airlines for over three decades. “They are like family,” he said. “I have known some of the crew as far back as more than 30 years ago when I was a young officer in the Air Force." Ex-President Rawlings was appointed AU High Representative for Somalia on October 8, 2010, to champion the international community’s efforts at restoring peace in war ravaged Somalia. The appointment followed a decision on the Report of the AU Peace and Security Council adopted by the Assembly of the Union at its 15th Ordinary Session held in Kampala, Uganda, in July 2010.