"32 years of safe landings": Pilot's surprise speech reduces passengers to tears
A pilot has brought his passengers to tears with an emotional speech on his final flight after 32 years in the skies.
Jeff Fell, an American Airlines pilot, took off from Chicago on his retirement flight as he stood in front of his passengers and delivered a heartfelt message.
At first, his message seemed routine, informing travellers of the weather and and flight time, before acknowledging it was strange for him to deliver the address from outside the cockpit.
“I normally don’t stand up in front of everybody like this, I usually just stay in the cockpit and talk on the PA. If I get a little emotional please forgive me for that,” he said in the speech, which was captured on video by a passenger.
With passengers still unaware of what was to come, he pointed out a group of “very important people” to him sitting at the back of the plane.
“They’re the majority of my family who have come along with me on my retirement flight,” Mr Fell said.
The plane was filled with applause as the pilot's voice wavered with emotion.
“They’re on-board with me on my retirement flight after 32 years with American,” he said.
He continued, fighting back tears, “Thank you all for coming along with me tonight and celebrating this very memorable time in my life. I love all of you."
With another round of applause from his passengers, Mr Fell added:, “I didn’t want to get emotional but goodness gracious.”
“Finally, for my wonderful wife Julie who has been at my side for the majority of my 32 years at American. She has been the rock, the solid rock in the foundation in our lives and our marriage. Her faith in the Lord, wisdom, strength and love has guided our marriage and family throughout these years. I love you and look forward to the next chapter in our lives. And welcome aboard everybody.”
The video was uploaded to TikTok and has since gone viral, raking up millions of views, and you can watch the full video here.
Thousands of social media users left comments of support, with many confessing the clip had brought them to tears.
“As soon as he said retirement flight my tears came,” one person wrote, while another added, "32 years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots.”
“To think of the amount of families, people, and cultures he has single-handedly connected throughout the world. Thank you!” penned a third person.
“32 years of bringing people closer together. I’m crying!” agreed another.
Image credits: TikTok