Itche Meyer Berkovitz , the world's first Hasidic flight attendant, graduated yesterday along with 1,358 other trainees at the American Airline Academy graduation at the Newark Hilton.
"It was an incredible life experience," Berkovitz said of becoming a steward. "I am looking forward to serving the passengers (….a coffee)."
Berkovitz, 22, of Williamsburg, will be allowed to keep his peyes - the long side locks worn by Hasidic men - looped up over his ears.
He's been granted exemptions from airline hairstyle rules so he won't have to break his religious vows. He also will be allowed off on the Sabbath and Jewish holy days.
His brother, Yitzchok Isaac, is a co-pilot for Jet Blue.
But Berkovitz hasn't figured out what path he wants to take in the airline.
"I was thinking about a lot of things before I got in the academy, but there are so many opportunities. I'm not certain," he said. "First I want to get my experience on the flights."
He's set to join the domestic flight division in Brooklyn, and his first assignment will be the red eye on February 12th.
Airline officials said this crop was most diverse class in American Airline history, with one-fifth of the new officers being foreign-born, hailing from 65 different countries.
The class is 46 percent white, 28 percent Hispanic, 17 percent black and 8 percent Asian, - the largest Asian contingent ever.
----------------ANYTHING NEWING?!!!!!!!!--------------
EARNING HIS VINGS
