Gander International Airport Blog

 Sonja Maloney has worked with Shanahan’s Investigation & Security Limited, the service provider for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), since 2003. The business of airport security can be a challenge, for both passengers and those professionals who have been handed an enormous mandate to ensure the safety of air travel in the country. It’s a job Sonja and the CATSA team at Gander undertake with pride. She approaches work the same way she does life – with a certain enthusiastic zest. A native of Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island, 27-year-old Sonja and husband Alvin were married this past Christmas. When she’s not working, Sonja is most often found walking her lively Labrador Retriever. She took some time to talk with us about food, fishing, security, superpowers and food some more. 

 Are people getting used to pre-board screening requirements?

On the whole, I would have to say travellers are adjusting very well.

What are some of the typical mistakes passengers make which cause pre-board screening issues?

Generally, infrequent flyers who aren’t fully aware of the regulations can take a bit longer to process. The other would be people who arrive late to the pre-board screening checkpoint.

If you could offer any piece of advice to passengers to streamline the security process, what would it be?

It’s mostly about preparation and knowing the regulations and restrictions beforehand. All the information is available via the CATSA website at www.catsa.gc.ca. Arriving early can make all the difference. If you are travelling with small children, for example, it might take a bit longer and we’d recommend you clear security sooner to allow extra time.

 Where’s your dream vacation?

Italy, for the food and wine, obviously. I have hopes we can go as a belated honeymoon, perhaps in the fall. Work is very busy in the summer.

 What do you do in your spare time?

I like the outdoors and walking our dog. I also cook. My mom, Deborah, is a great cook and I picked some of that up from her. I can do the traditional meals, and I’m getting better with age.

 Do you have a favourite local restaurant?

I have to put in a shameless plug for Nicole’s Cafe in Joe Batt’s Arm, which is owned by Nicole Torraville. My mom works there. The food and the atmosphere are just incredible. The concept is basically gourmet adaptations of traditional foods, like crab paninis and bakeapple crème brulée. They use fresh local ingredients, often organic, and it makes all the difference. The greens for the salads, for example, are grown in nearby Shoal Bay, and you can really taste the freshness. You won’t be disappointed.

 What’s in your CD player right now?

Cher. I’m a big fan and not embarrassed to admit it. I love Cher, I grew up singing “Just Like Jesse James.” Cher is a karaoke favourite.

 If a meteor were hurtling toward earth bent on destroying us all, what would your last meal be?

If I had to pick, I’d go with my mom’s glazed ham and salads. But I love food in general. I’m a huge eater. People are astonished with my appetite. I have to try and get a lot of exercise to offset it.

 You are from a fishing family in a strong fishing community. Your father Aidan not only fishes, but also builds traditional Newfoundland punts. Did you ever expect to follow the family fishing lineage?

My dad never really encouraged it, to be honest. My brother Dominic took that role on. I tag along for the food fishery, but I get a bit seasick.

 What’s your most prized possession?

My father made me a coffee and end table set from scratch. My father-in-law Joe cut the tree and kilned the wood. It’s all one piece, a single slab of dense birch with knots and plenty of character. My dad’s become quite a carpenter which is amazing considering he couldn’t hang a picture when I was growing up. He also made an amazing bed for my sister.

 What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

 If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

I think the power to heal people would be pretty handy.

 Others might say they’d like superhuman strength or invisibility so they could sneak into bank vaults, or out of work early …

That’s not much good compared to being able to take people’s sickness away. Wouldn’t that be a great superpower?

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