Watch: Pilot's final flight turns emotional as daughter joins him in cockpit before retirement

What was meant to be a routine flight from Las Vegas to Oakland became an unforgettable journey for passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines aircraft recently.

Captain Jim Curtis, who was operating his final commercial flight on his 65th birthday before retirement, was joined in the cockpit by someone special — his daughter, Julia.

The airline shared the heartwarming story in an Instagram post on Father's Day, celebrating a moment that marked the end of one aviation career and the continuation of another.

Captain Jim Curtis's final flight was special because he was joined in the cockpit by his daughter, Julia, marking an emotional farewell as he retired on his 65th birthday.

Commercial airline pilots are required to retire at age 65 due to regulations set by aviation authorities like the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Julia Curtis expressed her honor and pride in flying with her father by calling it a 'dream come true' and highlighted how he had been a lifelong mentor to her.

Aspiring pilots can benefit from considering family legacy, as the example set by family members in aviation can inspire and serve as a mentorship, as seen with Julia Curtis and her father.

Captain Jim Curtis conveyed a heartfelt message during his final flight announcement, reflecting on his career and expressing confidence in his daughter's future in aviation.

Captain Jim got to pilot his final Southwest flight alongside his favorite First Officer, his daughter Julia.

To all the fathers and father figures out there who inspire big dreams and even bigger achievements, we wish you a very happy Father's Day. Your love, guidance, and unwavering support are the foundations that allow us to soar!"

Commercial airline pilots are required to retire at the age of 65 under regulations adopted by aviation authorities including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the Federal Aviation Administration.

For Captain Curtis, that milestone coincided with a unique opportunity to share the cockpit with his daughter during his final flight.

In the video, Julia addressed passengers and explained why the journey was particularly meaningful.

She described the flight as a "very special" one and revealed that her father had spent 43 years in aviation.

According to Julia, Captain Curtis served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years before spending another 22 years flying commercially with Southwest Airlines. During that time, he accumulated more than 18,000 hours of flight experience.