After 36 years spent flying with mainly British crew members, some adjustments were required when I flew in India during the last five years of my career.

It was common practice in UK to use first name terms when addressing both superior and subordinate crew members. On the other hand, my Indian crew members invariably addressed me as “Captain Mannion”. As soon as I felt appropriate and in an attempt to put them at ease I would say: “Call me Cyril”.  Invariably their reply was “Yes Captain Cyril”.

I enjoyed many happy operational and social friendships with my Indian colleagues always calling me “Captain Cyril”.  India was the scene of many very happy days indeed and my three years spent with Jet Airways was a glorious and unforgettable final chapter to my career.