The 73-year-old collapsed shortly after Flight NZ5032 left Dunedin for Wellington just before noon on New Year's Eve.
He was pulled to the floor by a female flight attendant and resuscitated as the flight returned to Dunedin.
Speaking from Dunedin Hospital yesterday, Mr Chin, who was mayor from 2004-10, said he ''owed his life''' to the quick actions of the attendants.
Mr Chin believed their actions saved his life.
''There is no ifs or buts about it. That's exactly, as far as I am concerned, what happened.''
He was ''hugely grateful'' to Air New Zealand for its procedures and training, and in particular to the two flight attendants, Cushla Keates and Jade Ashleigh, who he said were heroes.
He had already called one of the flight attendants to thank her.
''[She] was still in shock, so I told [her] since it was New Year's Eve, she should go and have a big drink.''
He was feeling good yesterday and was due to have a bypass operation next week.
''As soon as I get out of this place, I will meet up with them,'' he said.
He counted himself lucky he collapsed on a plane rather than in another situation such as when driving or home alone.
''They had all the equipment there, they knew what to do and they did it and they brought me back to life.''
The flight attendants declined to speak when contacted yesterday, referring questions to Air New Zealand.
An airline spokeswoman said: ''Air New Zealand air crew are well trained to deal with medical events should they occur on board our aircraft.''
