A passenger has captured the heartwarming moment a pilot gave an emotional speech on his last flight after 32 years with American Airlines.
Before his retirement flight took off to Chicago last week, Jeff Fell stood at the front of the cabin to give his final farewell.
At first, his address seemed like any other.
Fell welcomed passengers on-board, introduced himself, informed them of the flight time and weather.
He then acknowledged it was odd for him to be giving the update 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.
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,” Fell said.
The longtime pilot’s voice wavered with emotion and the plane was filled will applause.
“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, Fell added: “I didn’t want to get emotional but goodness gracious.”
He returned to his pre-written speech he held in his hand.
“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 uploaded by passenger Justin Harrison on TikTok has been viewed more than three million times.
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, attracting more than 14,000 likes.
“32 years of safe landings also. God bless him and all pilots,” read another comment, gaining 30,000 likes in support.
“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.
A second video showed a water cannon salute, which is a tradition used to mark the retirement of a senior pilot or other notable event.
It involves two airport fire trucks firing water over a passing aircraft.
news.com.au contacted American Airlines for further comment.