Jetstar Asia staff keep hopes high as many employers offer new roles

Over 500 employees braced for layoffs, but support from industry and beyond lifts spirits

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan

Ms Vicky Wee, a flight attendant, has spent most of her working life in the sky. She started flying in her early 20s, fulfilling a childhood dream.

Now 65, she has racked up 42 years of experience in a role she describes as "a passion for flying".

The in-flight customer service manager told The Straits Times that her favourite part of the job is "meeting all sorts of people, interacting with them".

She joined Jetstar Asia 13 years ago, after more than 28 years with Singapore Airlines (SIA).

Asked how she felt about Jetstar Asia's looming closure, Ms Wee paused, visibly emotional.

"It's very sad. I still can't get over it," she said.

The Singapore-based low-cost carrier announced on June 11 that it would cease operations—more than 20 years since its maiden flight in December 2004.

It will continue to operate flights out of Singapore with a reduced schedule until its final day of operations on July 31.

More than 500 Singapore-based employees will be laid off when the airline closes. This includes over 100 pilots and nearly 300 cabin crew members.

Ms Wee is determined to remain in the airline business. "I still have a passion for flying," she said, though she is unsure if her age will affect her job prospects.

She has applied to be a part-time cabin crew member at Scoot, SIA's low-cost arm, after visiting a job fair held for retrenched employees at Jetstar Asia's office at Changi Airport Terminal 1.

"I'm still fit, so why not?" she quipped.