An Indian-origin flight attendant was recognized at the Singapore Airlines (SIA) CEO Service Excellence Award for his efforts in reviving a car driver he hired for his trip to work at the airport.
Venoth Balasubramaniam was among 69 people and teams who got the prize on Monday night at the national carrier’s annual award ceremony to honor the achievements of its personnel.
Balasubramaniam, 34, was sitting in the rear of a private-hire car on his way to Changi Airport in November 2022 when he heard a loud grunt and noticed the driver drop in his seat.
While on his way to report for a trip to London, the father of two applied the handbrake on his car, turned on the hazard lights, and dialed 995 immediately. He then came out to direct traffic.
Balasubramaniam conducted cardiac resuscitation and saved the unconscious motorist, who was in his late 40s or early 50s, thanks to his SIA first-aid training and experience working as a care ambassador at Changi General Hospital during the height of the Covid-19 outbreak.
This effort, together with his personal touch in the sky, earned him a standing ovation at the national carrier’s annual award ceremony.
Balasubramaniam stated that he generally arrives at the airport an hour before his flight reporting time, therefore he arrived at work on time.
“When I returned from London, the driver’s wife called to thank me, but that’s when she told me he had died”, he explained, adding that he was still in contact with the driver’s family.
Balasubramaniam, who will be celebrating his tenth year at SIA in November, was also praised on Monday for his ability to remember and greet customers by name without having to check their boarding tickets.
When asked about this ability, he stated that he does not have a special technique but instead looks at the flight manifest before takeoff and observes what each passenger is wearing and whether they have any distinguishing characteristics.
He claims to do this in all cabin classes, including economy, premium economy, and business.
He stated that the award would push him to work harder and set a good example for new cabin staff members.
“I believe I have a role to play in maintaining the airline’s reputation”, he continued.
