40 Years of Soaring: Vincent Ling, SIA's Enduring Spirit of Service

For four remarkable decades, Vincent Ling has called the skies his second home. Joining Singapore Airlines (SIA) as a steward in 1984, he has not only witnessed the evolution of air travel but has been an integral part of shaping SIA's legendary reputation for service. At 62, Vincent stands as a testament to unwavering dedication, a familiar and reassuring presence for countless passengers, and a living embodiment of the airline's commitment to excellence.

When Vincent first donned his uniform, the allure of the 'Singapore Girl' image and the perceived glamour of aviation were powerful draws.

What began as a youthful fascination quickly blossomed into a profound passion for service. He recalls the early days, the excitement of flying on iconic aircraft like the Boeing 747 'Jumbo' and later, the majestic Airbus A380, each journey a new adventure. He’s seen uniform styles change – from the classic Balmain-designed kebaya to the Peter Koks creation for male cabin crew – but the core spirit of elegance and hospitality has remained constant.

Vincent’s career has been punctuated by countless memorable encounters.

He recounts the joy of seeing young children grow into adults, some even recognising him years later. One particularly heartwarming memory is of a young boy he served who, years down the line, became a pilot and greeted him on a flight, a full-circle moment that underscored the unique connections forged in the cabin.

He's also been a steady hand in emergencies, recalling a time he assisted a passenger experiencing a medical crisis, a situation that highlighted the critical, often unseen, responsibilities of cabin crew.

But his journey hasn't been without its storms. Vincent navigated the unprecedented challenges of the SARS outbreak in 2003 and, more recently, the global halt of air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

During those uncertain times, with flights grounded, he took on ground roles, serving as a temperature screener and safe distancing ambassador. While he embraced these new duties, the absence of the .