Sam Chui

In this video, I want to speak openly and honestly — to set the record straight and share where I am in life, aviation, and my journey forward.

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. I also got married to my wife Fiona in July, in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration aboard a 747. These experiences have reshaped my priorities in ways I never expected.

After running this channel for over a decade, I’ve felt the need to pause, reflect, and talk honestly about:
* How aviation content has changed — and why I’m stepping away from drama and clickbait
* Misconceptions about my work with airlines and how access actually works
* Accusations, assumptions, and why I believe truth matters more than noise
* What aviation means to me today, not as an “influencer,” but as someone deeply passionate about this industry

I’ve always believed in being pro-aviation, telling meaningful stories, and inspiring people — not tearing others down. I’ve never charged airlines for positive coverage. Access, trust, and relationships are built over time, and I’m grateful to the aviation community for allowing me to share so many behind-the-scenes stories.
Looking ahead to 2026, my channel will evolve.

You’ll see less of the traditional flight reviews and more of what truly excites me:
* The deeper side of aviation
* Rare aircraft and behind-the-scenes access
* Airline operations, strategy, and innovation
* Flight training, fear of flying, and career guidance

I’ll resume my flight training in early 2026. Flying clears my head, and my long-term goal remains the right seat of a jetliner.

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.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this channel over the years — especially those who found inspiration to pursue aviation themselves.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to a meaningful 2026.
Sam ✈️

Go to https://surfshark.com/sam for 4 extra months of Surfshark!

What’s it like to fly in China versus the United States? Two massive aviation markets, two completely different philosophies, and two very different passenger experiences.

The video takes a look into airports, fleet, profitability, In-flight experience, service, onboard comfort, crew style, operation, and everything in between.

According to IATA, the US had 876 million passengers in 2024, while China had 740 million. The global “active fleet” number is around 30,300. China’s total commercial fleet stands in the ballpark of 4,000-4,500 airplanes. The U.S. commercial airline fleet is likely in the range of 7,000 to 10,000 aircraft. We also take a look at the average age of the fleet in the U.S. vs China.

China has spent the last two decades building some of the world’s newest and largest airports. These airports are massive, modern, and extremely high-tech, with sleek architecture everywhere. But in the U.S., the infrastructure picture is mixed.

The major Chinese carriers are not profitable — their losses reflect structural pressures (low yields, competition, oversupply, weak international demand). The U.S. airlines enjoy pricing freedom, loyalty-program revenue, consolidation, and strong corporate + leisure demand.

Service culture is where the most significant difference shows. Chinese airlines generally still operate a full-service model with free checked baggage, free seating, and meals on board. The U.S. market is extremely cost-driven, so the product reflects that. In many cases, baggage isn’t included, snacks are minimal, buy-on-board is common, and frequent flyer loyalty plays a huge role.