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

Key Concepts:

• Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin crew
• Singapore Girl/Boy
• Retirement after 46 years of service
• Early days of SIA cabin crew uniform
• First flight training

Early Career and Uniform:

Yak, a former Singapore Airlines (SIA) cabin crew member, recounts his 46-year career, highlighting the lesser-known "Singapore Boy" compared to the iconic "Singapore Girl." He recalls the early days when male crew members wore a large bow tie, which passengers sometimes mistook for a moth. He contrasts his army experience, where food was simply "slammed" onto mess tins, with the "prim and proper" etiquette required as a cabin crew member. His first training flight was to Jakarta.

Work Ethic and Retirement:

Yak emphasizes the hard work involved in being a cabin crew member, stating, "Trust me, we work very hard when we go on board the aircraft." He describes the aircraft as his "home." Surprisingly, he didn't feel particularly emotional on his last flight, describing it as "a normal day in the office." He acknowledges that the emotional impact might "kick in one of these days."

Celebrity Encounter:

Yak shares a brief anecdote about seeing a crowd of people wanting an autograph from someone he didn't recognize. He asked his wife who it was, and she identified him as Jackie Chan.

Conclusion:

Yak's account provides a glimpse into the life of a long-serving SIA cabin crew member, from the initial culture shock of transitioning from military life to the demanding role of a flight attendant, to the surprising lack of emotion upon retirement. It highlights the dedication and hard work involved in the profession, and offers a personal perspective on the evolution of SIA's cabin crew.