After 32 remarkable years soaring the skies, Captain Ronald Smith was taking his final flight with United Airlines — a journey from Chicago to Brussels in 2017. While retirement flights are often filled with mixed emotions, this one became truly unforgettable. Onboard was a student choir from Luxembourg, and they seized the moment to create a heartfelt surprise for the veteran pilot.
The group hailed from Lycée des Garçons d’Esch-sur-Alzette. Upon learning it was Captain Smith’s final flight, they quietly crafted a heartfelt plan to surprise him after landing.
Once the plane touched down and the cabin had emptied, the students waited patiently. Then, as Captain Smith stepped out of the cockpit, their voices rose in a stunning acapella rendition of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida.”
The beautiful performance echoed through the cabin, captured on film by one of the students, Nicolas, preserving the unforgettable moment forever.
Captain Smith was visibly touched. With a heartfelt smile, he said, “Wow. Thank you so much! That was truly amazing.” What the students didn’t realize was that Coldplay happened to be one of his favorite bands, making the surprise even more special.
Watch the emotional moment in this video: