SINGAPORE - A Singaporean air steward is now in critical condition after suffering a stroke while on a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Frankfurt last week.

Mr Vincent Chee, who was working on flight CX289 on May 7, had suddenly fainted at around 6am, Apple Daily reported on Monday.

The plane made an emergency landing in Urumqi in Xinjiang, where Mr Chee was taken to hospital, before continuing on to Frankfurt. The flight was delayed for at least four hours.

Doctors in China said Mr Chee, who is in his 40s, had suffered a stroke, and his condition is critical.

Mr Chee's wife, former ATV artist Wong Siu-Foon, told Apple Daily Mr Chee was in a coma. She said he was very fit, and jogged daily, so this was a shock to her.

She and her family flew to Urumqi, and have arranged for Mr Chee to be flown back to Hong Kong for treatment.

Mr Chee has worked for Cathay Pacific for 20 years, and lives in Hong Kong.

A colleague told Apple Daily Mr Chee is humorous, friendly and diligent. They saw no signs that he was unwell.