Washington, June 4 (SANA) Joan Prince Crandall, believed by Delta Air Lines to be the airline industry’s longest-serving flight attendant, is retiring after more than 66 years in the profession.
Prince Crandall began her career in 1959 with Pacific Airlines, serving aboard aircraft including the Douglas DC-3, Martin 404 and Fairchild F-27. Through a series of airline mergers, she later worked for Air West, Hughes Airwest, Republic Airways, Northwest Airlines and, since 2008, Delta Air Lines.
“That has been my career — from stewardess to flight attendant,” she told CNN.
Her career spanned major changes in aviation, including the transition from propeller aircraft to jetliners and the growth of passenger capacity. She also witnessed significant changes for women in the workplace, including the impact of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which helped end discriminatory employment practices affecting flight attendants.
Flight attendants today carry greater safety responsibilities and serve far more passengers than in the early years of commercial aviation. A Delta Airbus A350-900 can carry 306 passengers, compared with the much smaller aircraft she worked on at the start of her career.
Prince Crandall recently met newly graduated Delta flight attendant Alise Broussard, describing the encounter as a “déjà vu” moment as she prepares to pass the torch to a new generation.
After retirement, Prince Crandall plans to write a book and continue traveling. Among her favorite destinations are Paris, Mumbai and Hong Kong.
“I’ve been lucky,” she said. “I’m physically healthy, and it’s still fun.”
M.F / ABD