In conjunction with International Flight Attendant Day, FMT Lifestyle spoke with Nordin, a veteran with over 35 years in the skies.
“My first plane trip was before primary school, on Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, before Malaysian Airlines was even established. We were going to Singapore for a family holiday,” he said.
“I can still remember the smell of the cabin interior of the Boeing 77. They used to give us proper steel forks then. I really enjoyed the experience,” he added.
Despite being one of the oldest flight attendants still flying in Malaysia, it wasn’t Nordin’s dream career. For him, it was just how things unfolded.
After completing his diploma in 1987 – right in the middle of a global economic downturn – Nordin found it hard to land a steady job. “I was doing many odd jobs. One day, my mum asked me to give this a try since she knew someone at MAS,” he recalled.
That one suggestion changed the course of his entire life.
In 1989, he became a flight attendant with Malaysia Airlines and began flying across the country. For most of his career, Nordin was part of the cabin crew on rural routes, primarily between Sabah, Sarawak, and Kuala Lumpur.
In 2006, MAS laid off many of its crew members and discontinued the rural air service. “At the time, I had four children,” he said.
Fortunately, AirAsia took over the operations, and Nordin was absorbed into Fly Asian Express, and then eventually into AirAsia itself in 2008.
Today, he serves as senior cabin crew on the Airbus A320. “The first few years of my career were quite exciting,” he said with a smile.
“There are four crew members on board, and only one senior. That’s usually me,” he said, proudly.
With that role comes responsibility, yet a lot of fun. “Of course, we pull pranks on the junior crew,” he admitted. “Back then, we were so scared of seniors! Now, some of my crew members are as young as my own children.”
He’s also no stranger to passenger drama. “I always tell the crew not to provoke anyone. Sometimes it’s not about us – maybe they’ve had a bad start to their day, and we’re just in the crossfire.”
But there are heartwarming moments too. “I’ve had children give us drawings they completed during the flight for us to take home, thanking us. Those experiences really make our day.”
However, Nordin said life in the skies has its challenges although he’s used to most of them by now. “We don’t know what Saturday or Sunday is. Or public holidays. We live based on our roster.”
In July 2024, Nordin hit the official retirement age of 60. His final flight turned out to be a surprise send-off, and a viral sensation.
Taking the microphone during his last flight, he addressed the passengers: “Today marks a special day for me. It marks my final flight after so many wonderful years of flying – 35 years to be exact. I’ve loved every moment spent in the skies, bringing people together with their loved ones. Thirty-five years have been truly magical.”
The video of his farewell went viral, even catching the attention of AirAsia’s founder, Tony Fernandes, who publicly praised Nordin for his long service and gifted him two air tickets to Jeddah.
Passengers now often recognise him from the viral video. “They’ll say, ‘Were you the one Tony posted about?’ or tell me I look like I’m 45. Of course, that feels good.”
The twist? Retirement didn’t last! Before he knew it, Nordin had extended his service. So, what’s his secret to staying youthful and energetic?
“I love sports and I also use skincare – I learnt that from my wife,” he laughed. “More importantly, I try to live a less stressful life. Slow down, stay in a happy mood.”
He also shared that his father is 93 and his mother, 87 – both healthy and doing well. So perhaps good genes run in the family!
So, what advice does Nordin have for aspiring flight attendants? “Patience, of course. But also, always be jovial and entertaining.”
After all, in the world of air travel, a smile can go a long way.
Follow Nordin Razali on Instagram.