‘I was treated like a celebrity!’ Passenger pictured making his first ever flight in a Jet2 aircraft at the age of NINETY
A 90-year-old great-grandfather fulfilled a lifelong ambition when he took to the skies on his very first flight.
Malcolm Shedlow made a memory to cherish forever after flying with his family with Jet2.com to visit his son in the Dordogne, France.
Malcolm received VIP treatment and was welcomed at Leeds Bradford Airport by the airline’s customer helpers, who supported him throughout the journey, explaining the flying process to him and making it as easy as possible.
Malcolm said: ‘I was rushed through the airport and treated like a celebrity!’
Malcolm Shedlow fulfilled a lifelong ambition by boarding a flight for the first time at the age of 90. The great-grandfather flew to France with Jet2.com. He is pictured above in the cockpit
He added: ‘The team at Jet2.com couldn’t have been more helpful or friendly, and they made the whole flying experience seamless.’
Once on board the plane, Malcolm said the cabin crew were “very attentive and assured me that I was in very capable hands.”
Upon landing at Bergerac Airport, France, cabin crew member Tina Murphy proudly presented Malcolm with one of the airline’s First Flight Club certificates as a souvenir and arranged to visit the cockpit and have his photo taken.
Malcolm has four children, ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one more on the way.
The devoted family man was married to Lena Shedlow, who passed away a month before their 60th wedding anniversary.
His daughter, Claire Baskind, said: ‘We are so happy that my father had such a positive experience on his first flight in 90 years! It was so nice to see the pictures and hear how much he enjoyed his experience.
‘Meeting the pilot and being asked to sit in the cockpit was an absolute highlight that our family will cherish forever. Thanks to the Jet2.com staff for making it so special for him.”
Malcolm received a ‘First Flight Club’ certificate from cabin crew member Tina Murphy (pictured right)
Malcolm is a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was married to his late wife Lena Shedlow for almost 60 years. The two are pictured above on their wedding day
Although Malcolm has never taken to the skies before, his first experience with aircraft dates back 70 years during his service in the RAF.
Malcolm contributed to peacetime conscription after the Second World War by performing administrative duties during his call for National Service.
‘My work helped keep the pilots flying, but I never got on an airplane myself. But thanks to Jet2.com, that has all changed!’ he explained.
‘I really enjoyed the flight; it was an incredible experience. I look forward to flying with Jet2.com again next year as they have whetted my appetite for flying. I’m certainly not going to wait another ninety years for my second flight!’
He added: ‘If Jet2.com needs any more pilots, Captain Malcolm is available!’
For more information and to book, visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com
Malcolm said his flight to France was an ‘incredible experience’ and said he was looking forward to flying with Jet2.com again. Above is a stock photo of a Jet2.com 737