When dreams take off: Vincent's journey with SWISS and Sternschnuppe

This November, SWISS was able to make an extraordinary wish come true and support the Sternschnuppe Children's Aid Foundation in fulfilling its 4,000th wish: Vincent, 12 years old and living with Down syndrome, dreams of becoming a flight attendant – and of distributing the famous SWISS chocolate bars on board once in his life.

It was a wish that immediately touched SWISS and was gladly fulfilled. Vincent wanted to be part of the cabin crew – greeting passengers as they boarded, helping them on board and, most importantly, personally handing out chocolates at the end of the flight.

Vincent's big day began where the SWISS crews also start their work: at the Operations Center at Zurich Airport. After passing through the security check for employees, he was taken to the aircraft by crew bus. Together with his parents, he was the first to board and immediately took over the task of welcoming the passengers. Confident, as if he did this every day, he smiled at the passengers and welcomed them on their flight to Portugal. Once boarding was complete, he made an announcement together with the captain: Vincent was introduced as the youngest member of the cabin crew – the warm applause from the guests made the moment unforgettable. He then took his seat on the jump seat and was ready for takeoff to Lisbon. Once the cruising altitude was reached, he was allowed to help out in the galley and experienced first-hand how much team spirit and passion go into this profession. Once the guests had been taken care of, he deserved a break: together with the pilots, he was allowed to experience part of the flight in the cockpit, where they explained their work to him and he enjoyed the view above the clouds.

Vincent during one of his announcements to passengers.
Vincent during one of his announcements to passengers.
Vincent on the jump seat – ready for his adventure above the clouds.
Vincent on the jump seat – ready for his adventure above the clouds.
From catering to toys: Vincent gets to know the galley.
From catering to toys: Vincent gets to know the galley.

“Seeing the children's eyes light up is pure joy. Sternschnuppe does incredible work, and I’m already looking forward to the next assignment.”

Michi, Pilot

 

 

Then came the moment Vincent had been eagerly awaiting: the crew left him the basket full of chocolates and Vincent set off alone through the cabin. With visible joy, he spoke directly to each guest and offered them a chocolate – or even two. The passengers were clearly delighted by the gesture, but no one was beaming more than Vincent himself. It was a moment he had long wished for and was now finally able to experience.

The big moment: Vincent hands out SWISS chocolates to the guests.
The big moment: Vincent hands out SWISS chocolates to the guests.
Pure teamwork: the maître de cabine restocks the Schöggeli reserves.
Pure teamwork: the maître de cabine restocks the Schöggeli reserves.
And on he goes—with his basket full, Vincent continues through the cabin.
And on he goes—with his basket full, Vincent continues through the cabin.

"Fulfilling heartfelt wishes shows how meaningful these moments are for the children and their families."

Peter, Maître de Cabin

 

 

Shortly afterwards, the plane landed in Lisbon. Together with the captain, Vincent carried out checks on the apron and learned more exciting details about the aircraft he had been traveling in just a short time before. 

Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.
Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.
Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.
Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.
Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.
Vincent accompanies the captain on the outside check.

 

On the return flight to Zurich, Vincent once again greeted guests at the entrance to the aircraft. He took on his role with confidence and pride. But slowly, fatigue began to set in – and he realized just how much energy and dedication this job requires. That's why he was allowed to make himself comfortable in a regular seat and, as on his previous trips, be pampered by the SWISS crew.

“Having worked for the Sternschnuppe Children’s Aid Foundation, I’ve long felt closely connected to it. All the more special to see SWISS actively supporting a cause so close to my heart.”

Michel, Pilot
The SWISS crew who made Vincent's wish come true.
The SWISS crew who made Vincent's wish come true.

 

 

Sternschnuppe Children's Aid Foundation
Since 1993, the Sternschnuppe Children's Aid Foundation has been fulfilling the heartfelt wishes of children and young people living with illness or disability. The non-profit organization fulfills children's deepest wishes and treats the whole family to a variety of excursions and carefree leisure activities. SWISS has been supporting the foundation since 2018 and has already been able to make a few stars come true.