In the early days of air travel, well before the glamorous uniforms, meticulously styled hair, beaming smiles, and lavish lifestyles became synonymous with modern cabin crew, one extraordinary individual pioneered the art of in-flight hospitality, bringing his exceptional talents and unmistakeable charisma to the then-nascent aviation industry, forever shaping the role of cabin crew and setting the bar for travel experiences.
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The beginning
Born in 1888 in Germany, Heinrich Kubis worked his way up as a waiter, training in some of Europe’s best hotels, including the Carlton Hotel in London and the Ritz Hotel in Paris, to eventually hold the record as the world’s first flight attendant, working on the LZ-10 airship, Schwaben, in March 1912.
Drawing upon his extensive language skills and in-depth understanding of protocols, Kubis was responsible for ensuring the comfort of passengers travelling on the inaugural passenger airships operated by Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft (DELAG).
The airships were used for exclusive sightseeing excursions lasting four to nine hours, shuttling between Berlin and Friedrichshafen in Germany, a luxury only a privileged few could afford.
Nevertheless, unlike the grandiose sky giants of today, capable of accommodating hundreds of passengers and offering unparalleled luxury and endless hours of entertainment, the airships of the olden days could only transport a mere twenty individuals, alongside mail and cargo, within their cabin walls.
Early flyers had to endure turbulence, excessive engine noises, uncomfortable journeys, and above all, a host of safety menaces.
With the captain solely responsible for piloting the craft, it fell upon the co-pilot to attend to the passengers’ culinary needs, providing food and drinks throughout the voyage. Soon, operators realised the pressing need to enhance the overall experience aboard their airships or risk losing their valuable clientele.
After the catastrophic destruction of the Schwaben in June 1912, when a powerful gust of wind tore the airship from its mooring in a Düsseldorf hangar, triggering a fateful spark that engulfed its hydrogen reservoir and plunged it into flames, leaving 30 to 40 individuals injured, Kubis stepped into a new role as the Chief Steward aboard the magnificent Zeppelin LZ-129 airship, famously known as the “Hindenburg.”
The Hindenburg
With a total capacity of 97 passengers and crew, the Hindenburg soared as the largest airship ever built, offering unparalleled speed and comfort, becoming the epitome of luxurious travel during its time.
Concurrently, DELAG was the first transatlantic passenger airline, operating flights between Germany and the Americas in the 1930s.
As the Chief Steward, Kubis was responsible for overseeing a dedicated team of 15 male crew members aboard the Hindenburg, including waiters, cooks, and cabin stewards, to ensure seamless meal preparation and impeccable service delivery to the airship’s passengers.
Moreover, he had the important responsibility of conducting checks on boarding passengers and confiscating any matches or lighters for safety purposes.
On the fateful day of 3 May 1937, the Hindenburg embarked on a journey from Frankfurt to New Jersey in the US, a voyage slated to last three days.
Nevertheless, the landing was delayed due to adverse weather conditions. In a matter of seconds, disaster struck as the airship was engulfed in flames, prompting a shocking explosion that reduced the Hindenburg to ashes.
At the time of the explosion, Heinrich was working in the dining room area. As the ill-fated aircraft descended towards the ground, Kubis bravely took charge, urging passengers and crew members alike to escape through the windows. With selfless courage, he assisted numerous passengers to evacuate the doomed airship.
Regrettably, a few passengers found themselves trapped within the confines of the cabin. The incident claimed the lives of 13 passengers and 22 crew members, While 23 passengers and 39 crew members miraculously survived the tormenting ordeal. One unfortunate fatality occurred on the ground, adding to the magnitude of the disaster.
Against all odds, Kubis escaped the catastrophic event unharmed, living on until his passing in 1979, long after the haunting memory of the Hindenburg tragedy had faded.
A lasting legacy
Heinrich Kubis, a man of unmatched bravery and an eventful life filled with remarkable experiences, has forever itched his name as a prominent figure in the world of aviation.
Pioneering the art of in-flight hospitality, he played an integral role in laying the foundations of what is to become the modern cabin crew profession, setting the standard for many valiant attendants who followed suit in the years to come, inspired by his rich legacy.
Nearly a century later, Kubis’ contributions continue to resonate, serving as a constant source of inspiration for those who have stepped into his footsteps, forever influenced by his remarkable journey.
