Heartwarming act by Qantas crew towards a 103-year-old passenger will restore your faith in humanity
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A 103-year-old passenger, Ngan Chun Kam, fondly known as 'Mamma', received a delightful surprise when she boarded a Qantas flight back home to Hong Kong.
The entire plane, including the pilot and cabin crew, erupted into cheers, celebrating a passenger who was older than the airline itself.
Born on January 1, 1920, Mamma is believed to be the oldest passenger Qantas had ever flown, outdating the airline's founding in November 1920.
The remarkable woman was returning home after a seven-week visit to her family in Sydney when the Qantas staff on board QF127 learned of her age.
Jayson Eng, a Qantas Customer Service Agent who was on the November 3 flight, shared his excitement.
'It was such an honour to have Ms Kam on our flight to Hong Kong,' he said. 'We got her trip off to a flying start with a special welcome announcement from the Captain, which was broadcast throughout the entire aircraft.'
The announcement led to applause and cheers throughout the cabin. The cabin crew took turns introducing themselves to Mamma, affectionately calling her Po Po (grandma in Cantonese) as a sign of respect.
'She was such a delight to have on board,' Mr Eng added.
Mamma, a mother of six children aged between 72 and 83, has 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Since 1979, she has been visiting Australia once a year.
Her second eldest son, Dennis, 81, lives in Sydney with his wife Helen and their family. Her two daughters live in Canada, while her other three sons reside in Hong Kong, all living in the same building with their mother.
Helen, Mamma's daughter-in-law, revealed that Mamma initially had no idea why the cabin erupted in a loud cheer as she didn't speak English.
It wasn't until a friend who was also on the flight explained that the applause was because she was the oldest passenger they'd ever flown.
'Everyone was clapping and cheering, and she just felt so special,' Helen told a news source.
In addition to the warm welcome, the airline gifted Mamma, who was flying in business class, a goodie bag filled with champagne and merchandise.
Helen shared a humorous anecdote about Mamma mistaking the goodie bag for a friend's left-behind bag. When Helen explained it was a gift from the airline, Mamma, who doesn't drink champagne, promised to bring it back to Australia on her next visit.
Helen attributes Mamma's longevity to her active lifestyle. 'In Hong Kong, she lives in mid-levels, which is quite hilly and often goes to the fresh food market,' Helen explained.
'She would then carry the produce back up the hill and would do this every day and has done for many years,' she added.
Mamma's life story is as fascinating as her age. She married her husband, Kam Shiu Pui, when she was 19.
‘Her husband died in 1999. He was a farsighted businessman who bought off-the-plan units in Hong Kong, which is where Mamma and her three sons live now,’ Helen shared.
The family is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Mamma next year for her annual trip.
'Whenever Mamma comes to Sydney, we take her out on the boat because she loves fishing so much. She would see the line flutter and point and say, “There's one”,' Helen stated.
What do you think of this heartwarming story, members? Have you experienced any special moments during your travels? Share your stories in the comments below.
The entire plane, including the pilot and cabin crew, erupted into cheers, celebrating a passenger who was older than the airline itself.
Born on January 1, 1920, Mamma is believed to be the oldest passenger Qantas had ever flown, outdating the airline's founding in November 1920.
The remarkable woman was returning home after a seven-week visit to her family in Sydney when the Qantas staff on board QF127 learned of her age.
Ngan Chun Kam was believed to be the older passenger Qantas had ever flown. Credit: Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong and Macau/Facebook
Jayson Eng, a Qantas Customer Service Agent who was on the November 3 flight, shared his excitement.
'It was such an honour to have Ms Kam on our flight to Hong Kong,' he said. 'We got her trip off to a flying start with a special welcome announcement from the Captain, which was broadcast throughout the entire aircraft.'
The announcement led to applause and cheers throughout the cabin. The cabin crew took turns introducing themselves to Mamma, affectionately calling her Po Po (grandma in Cantonese) as a sign of respect.
'She was such a delight to have on board,' Mr Eng added.
Mamma, a mother of six children aged between 72 and 83, has 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Since 1979, she has been visiting Australia once a year.
The entire Qantas flight cheered for the 103-year-old passenger. Credit: Australian Consulate-General Hong Kong and Macau/Facebook
Her second eldest son, Dennis, 81, lives in Sydney with his wife Helen and their family. Her two daughters live in Canada, while her other three sons reside in Hong Kong, all living in the same building with their mother.
Helen, Mamma's daughter-in-law, revealed that Mamma initially had no idea why the cabin erupted in a loud cheer as she didn't speak English.
It wasn't until a friend who was also on the flight explained that the applause was because she was the oldest passenger they'd ever flown.
'Everyone was clapping and cheering, and she just felt so special,' Helen told a news source.
In addition to the warm welcome, the airline gifted Mamma, who was flying in business class, a goodie bag filled with champagne and merchandise.
Helen shared a humorous anecdote about Mamma mistaking the goodie bag for a friend's left-behind bag. When Helen explained it was a gift from the airline, Mamma, who doesn't drink champagne, promised to bring it back to Australia on her next visit.
Helen attributes Mamma's longevity to her active lifestyle. 'In Hong Kong, she lives in mid-levels, which is quite hilly and often goes to the fresh food market,' Helen explained.
'She would then carry the produce back up the hill and would do this every day and has done for many years,' she added.
Mamma's life story is as fascinating as her age. She married her husband, Kam Shiu Pui, when she was 19.
‘Her husband died in 1999. He was a farsighted businessman who bought off-the-plan units in Hong Kong, which is where Mamma and her three sons live now,’ Helen shared.
The family is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Mamma next year for her annual trip.
'Whenever Mamma comes to Sydney, we take her out on the boat because she loves fishing so much. She would see the line flutter and point and say, “There's one”,' Helen stated.
What do you think of this heartwarming story, members? Have you experienced any special moments during your travels? Share your stories in the comments below.
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