Alice Waweru had flown across continents and oceans, witnessed sunrises and sunsets from the clouds, and served thousands of passengers with grace and professionalism.
But nothing prepared Alice Waweru for the surprise that awaited her on her final flight as a flight purser with Kenya Airways.
After nearly 38 years in the skies, Alice decided to hang up her wings and retire from her beloved career.
Her last destination was New York, the same city where she made history as the flight purser on the inaugural flight from Nairobi in 2018.
After nearly 38 years in the skies, Flight Purser Alice Waweru concluded her remarkable journey with the #PrideofAfrica. Her tenure as cabin crew came to an end with a final flight to JFK, New York… Follow thread… pic.twitter.com/sxZmm3Yz2r
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) August 14, 2023
As she boarded the plane, she was greeted by familiar faces and warm smiles.
Her colleagues, friends and family had secretly arranged to join her on this special occasion. They showered her with gifts, hugs and words of appreciation.
They thanked her for being a mentor, a leader and a friend.
Alice was touched by the gesture, but she had no idea that there was more to come. As the plane landed at JFK airport, she looked out of the window and saw two fire trucks on either side of the runway.
They sprayed jets of water over the plane, creating a rainbow arch in the sky. It was a water cannon salute, a ceremonial tribute reserved for distinguished pilots and crew members.
To honour her for the exemplary service, we mounted a ceremonial water cannon salute which took her by surprise. Alice, who was joined by her family and friends, holds the distinction of having been the Flight Purser on our historic inaugural flight to New York. pic.twitter.com/9mLjCJSP6j
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) August 14, 2023
Alice was speechless. She felt tears welling up in her eyes as she realized that this was Kenya Airways’ way of honouring her for her remarkable journey.
She had dedicated her life to serving others, and now she was being served with respect and gratitude.
She stepped out of the plane and was greeted by applause and cheers from the ground staff and passengers. She waved and smiled, feeling proud and humbled at the same time. She had flown high and far, but she had never forgotten where she came from.
A Kenyan, a woman, a mother, and a flight purser. She was Alice Waweru, and this was her final flight to remember.
We wish Alice a lifetime of good tailwinds! #HappyRetirement pic.twitter.com/ARGR5oZfeV
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) August 14, 2023
