2025 has been a year of profound change for me.
I lost my mother, the person who first introduced me to travel and aviation, and who helped make some of my biggest dreams come true.
Then I got married to a beautiful and kind lady. It was a once-in-a-lifetime wedding on the 747…I can’t ask anymore…I am so grateful.
I turned 45 last November, and my hair is gradually turning grey…I’ve been running my YouTube channel like a religion for the last 10 years… but now I feel I’ve found new priorities in my life.
About myself and my channel
My channel and I are always pro aviation. I love to create inspirational aviation content. I work with airlines, airports, and aviation authorities that provided me access to make “behind the scenes” and interesting content.
I made no secret that I have taken “sponsored flights” or “invited flights”. The reason many airlines choose to work with me is simple: I don’t charge them. They invite me because they want honest, informed feedback on passenger experience, cabin design, and inflight products.
A recent example is Air France Group CEO Benjamin Smith inviting me to experience the new La Première First Class. His interest was not promotion—but insight. He wanted detailed observations and real comparisons with other First Class products. That kind of dialogue is something I take seriously and responsibly.
I never think of myself as an influencer…I actually feel quite embarrassed (and at times awkward) when someone introduces or labels me as an “aviation influencer”. I certainly don’t operate as one. I select only topic of interest to cover, and show, on my own will.
Everything I do comes from genuine passion for aviation — and respect for the people who make it work every day.
Smear Campaign on me
Recently, there have been smear campaigns circulating from a number of content creators with their own private agendas. Among the claims is that I am not the same person off camera — that I have been rude, mistreated cabin crew, or even caused pilots to be grounded.
Let’s return to the fundamentals. Haters spike quickly. Credibility compounds slowly.
In any business — especially aviation — the most important element of success is trust. Trust is built through respect, consistency, and long-term relationships with people. Aviation is a small community. Reputations travel fast, and actions speak far louder than online accusations.
If I were truly the person described in these claims, I would not have lasted long in this industry — nor would I continue to receive the trust and access granted by airlines, crews, pilots, and partners around the world.
I am not a perfect person. But I have never changed who I am from day one. I am still the same Sam Chui — on screen and off.
To the aviation community, the crews, pilots, airlines, and viewers who believe in fairness and integrity: thank you for your trust. Thank you for allowing me to share your stories and create meaningful aviation content together. I never take that trust for granted.
More Aviation, not Flight Reviews
Flight videos today are no longer simply about traveling from Point A to Point B. Increasingly, they are packaged with clickbait titles promising drama—a twist, controversy, or words like “scam,” or “ban.” That may work for algorithms and the number of views, but it is not why I started doing this.
Last Sept, I took 2 Emirates flights and chose to be more critical, discussing a more subjective aspect of the service level. It was an interesting experience, but it has shaped my decision to move away from flight review.
Some comments in the video suggest I am faking the video, blackmailing Emirates for money or gains…The reality is you can’t really please everyone or prove yourself. When you give a positive review, you’re labeled “paid” or “sponsored.” When you offer criticism, it’s assumed you’re asking for money.
Putting all the noise aside, I did flight reviews because I genuinely enjoyed them. I felt fulfilled every time I turned a special flight memory into a video people could enjoy — especially on a big screen at home. I’ve been doing this for the past 10 years, driven by passion, not controversy.
The Future – New Ideas Welcome
Looking ahead, my channel will no longer focus on regular flight reviews. There may still be the occasional inaugural or special flight — such as the long-awaited Boeing 777X or Qantas Project Sunrise A350-1000 ULR.
The future of the channel is about going deeper into civilian aviation: the rare aircraft, behind-the-scenes access, aviation business, innovation, and the thinking that shapes the industry.
I want to bring more perspectives, more substance, and more value — sharing knowledge and insight that go beyond flight review.
Aviation has never been about views or controversy for me. It’s about the joy of flight, the people behind the scenes, and the stories worth telling.
I will continue to be myself and enjoy what I do. That has never changed—and it never will.
Chasing the Dream
As I reflect on my own journey, I realize how much my love for aviation has grown.
I had the privilege to fly on a B747 cargo flight recently. It was so inspiring to watch the pilot fly, lifting the 390-ton machine to its maximum takeoff weight… this is the aviation I love!
I currently have 180+ flying hours, and will continue my flight training on Instrument Rating and Commercial License. Flying really clears up my head…and my goal is now set at the right seat of a jetliner.
Looking forward to resuming my flight training in 2026, and who knows how far I can go… Sky’s the limit! ✈️
Really enjoyed reading your update — it’s so refreshing to see someone in aviation being honest about both the good and the tough moments this past year. Losing someone close, celebrating life with a beautiful wedding, and then rethinking your content direction really shows how passion evolves over time. Excited to see where you take the channel next with deeper aviation stories and meaningful insights!
Hi even though you are going to make special flights just try kuwait arways a33o 900
Hi Sam
I really enjoy your aviation content.
We can feel that you are transparent and honest, always.
Stay true to who you are and we support you fully from all the outside noises and jealousy.
Keep up the excellent work.
All the best
Anees
Believe in yourself.
Hello Sam,
I don’t know you personally but have looked at your videos with enthusiasm. In particular, I have always appreciated the respect that you show to everybody with whom you interact, whatever the person’s function or rank. You always have this positive energy which makes everybody smile around you. When you voice a critic, you do it with restraint, respect and in a constructive way.
In this world where it seems that one ought to be divisive to become visible and successful, you follow another path. Thank you for that.
Keep up the good work and all the best!
Aloha Sam. I have written to you before but never got a response. Just read your last posting and I thought I would offer some words of encouragement.
First, I will start with my background. I have been in aviation for more years than you are old. I am a licensed A&P (AME). I have worked primarily military programmes but my last job was as the Chief of Inspections for a Part 121 carrier. I have worked at three prime airframe manufacturers. I have also instructed aircraft systems, aviation business, logistics, history, and aircraft maintenance at university level.
We all have our detractors. I would suggest that much of the criticism you receive has been from jealous individuals. I admire your enthusiasm for aviation which has undoubtedly inspired many people to discover more about flying and all the concomitant fields that support it.
Aviation is facing and will be facing larger challenges in the coming years. Shortages of trained and qualified technicians continues to plague the industry. Recruiting people to enter a highly volatile field where layoffs can occur with lightning speed, can be difficult when there is little stability.
I am fortunate. I am retired after more than fifty years in the business. I have some experience in journalism. I would caution you in maintaining your objectivity. That can be difficult especially when finding sources who suspect your motives.
My wife and I just returned from spending Christmas with our eldest daughter in the Netherlands. Our airport experience was disappointing to say the least. We have to travel to Australia in May and I am not looking forward to it. There is much to be addressed in remedying the travel industry. We have flown to Melbourne on Qantas and Air New Zealand and enjoyed it. It is the airports that I dread going to.
I look forward to your continuing videos and reports.
I have always enjoyed your videos. As a flyer in first class (when one can) and business class the videos have been of assistance to me. I am grateful for that.
It is sad that things have ‘turned’ for you. It seems a classic case of getting to big so cut you down to size (or “tall poppy syndrome”) – a scenario common in Australia.
It also seems common in this era of social media and its ability to attack an individual cruelly. I don’t subscribe to any social media.
I wish you well in your new endeavours Sam.
Robin (Sydney)
Any “behind the scenes” features you could do would be great! I especially liked the one that you did on Qatar.
Hi Sam,
I’ve always very much enjoyed your content, I’ve worked in the aviation industry for about 10 years now, from flying to maintenance and finally to Air Traffic Control where I have found my place of happiness. During those years I had the pleasure of getting access to places I’d never have, all that through your videos. It transpires that you’re a candid, avid aviation enthusiast. It takes one to know one. I am glad to read you are focusing on your flight training with a fantastic goal, which is to fly jets professionally. It is arguably one of the two best jobs in the world with ATC. I should know, I did both.
Thank You for what you brought to aviation and to us, viewers and avgeeks.
I wish you the best for your future endeavors and am looking forward to any content you will offer.
All the best.
Aurélien.
Stay with your dream Sam, follow your soul.
It was Antoine de St.Exupéry the famous french pilot/author who wrote;
‘I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things’
Best wishes
Sam:
I don’t know much about you personally. Nor do I really want to (no offense meant). But I do know you love aviation, airlines, airliners, airports, travel and the queen: B747. And that’s all I need to know. Your videos are awesome. You are living the airplane geek’s dream. Keep up the good work!
-JD
NJ//EWR/USA
Good for you Sam. Keyboard warriors ruin everything. Enjoy your life.
You do a great job keep it going please, condolences on your loss.
Thanks for everything you have done in the last 10 years with your interesting and informative videos!
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Always a difficult time as I well know.
Congratulations on your marriage!
God luck for the future Sam!