After 46 years, Singapore Airlines steward bids farewell to life at 41,000 ft

Key Concepts:

• Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin crew, Singapore boy, retirement, long service, work-life balance, nostalgia, family, legacy.

Early Career and Experiences:

• Yak Keng worked as a cabin crew member with Singapore Airlines for 46 years, retiring at the age of 67.
• He recalls the early days of SIA, when male cabin crew wore bow ties, which were sometimes mistaken for moths by passengers.
• He describes the transition from army life to the refined environment of airline service as an "eye-opener."
• His first training flight was to Jakarta.
• He emphasizes the hard work involved in the job, including early mornings and late nights, and the need to maintain a positive demeanor despite fatigue. "Once we step into the cabin, we are all smiles."

Memorable Encounters and Recognition:

• He expresses pride in a photograph he took with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, whom he describes as "very nice."
• He recounts taking a picture with a Korean actress, although he didn't initially recognize her.
• He met his wife, a stewardess, through a blind date within the airline.

Family Perspective:

• Yak Keng's daughter shares her perspective on growing up with a father who was frequently away for work.
• She recalls sitting in his luggage as a child, trying to prevent him from leaving.
• She notes that the family has become accustomed to his absence, and his constant presence after retirement feels "suffocating." "It’s like Covid all over again."

Retirement and Reflection:

• Yak Keng states that his last flight felt like "a normal day in the office," and he didn't experience strong emotions upon leaving.
• He expresses nostalgia for his uniform, particularly his jackets, which he now keeps in "cold storage."
• He believes he is the longest-serving male cabin crew member at SIA.
• In his last two to three years, he was referred to as "The legend."
• He attributes his decision to retire to health concerns, including pneumonia, and a desire to have more personal time. "I think I better have more time to myself now."

Future Plans:

• His plans for retirement include relaxation, holidays as a passenger, going to the gym, playing squash, and running. "My plans after retirement are to sit and relax, go for more holidays, to be on the other end of the airline as a passenger."

Conclusion:

Yak Keng's story is a reflection on a long and dedicated career with Singapore Airlines. It highlights the challenges and rewards of the job, the importance of family, and the transition to retirement. His experiences offer a glimpse into the history of SIA and the evolution of the cabin crew profession.