PETALLING JAYA: Many kids hardly recall their initial airplane trip, yet for 61-year-old flight attendant Nordin Razali, that recollection remains crystal clear.
To mark International Flight Attendant Day, FMT Lifestyle had a conversation with Nordin, an experienced professional who has spent more than three decades in the aviation industry.
"My initial flight experience happened before I started primary school, with Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, which operated long before Malaysian Airlines came into existence. Our destination was Singapore for a family vacation," he mentioned.
"I can vividly recall the scent inside the Boeing 77 cabin. Back then, they provided us with real metal cutlery. I truly savored the whole experience," he mentioned.
Even though he is one of the most seasoned flight attendants still active in Malaysia, aviation was not Nordin’s envisioned profession. It simply turned out this way for him.
Upon finishing his diploma in 1987—right amidst a worldwide economic slump—Nordin struggled to secure a stable position. "I took up various temporary roles. Then one day, my mother suggested I give it a shot as she had an acquaintance working at MAS," he remembered.
That one suggestion changed the course of his entire life.
In 1989, he joined Malaysia Airlines as a flight attendant and started journeying throughout the nation. Throughout much of his professional life, Nordin served as part of the cabin staff mainly on domestic routes connecting 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.
Luckily, AirAsia stepped in to take over the operations, and Nordin became part of Fly Asian Express before finally merging into AirAsia 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 individuals onboard, with just one being the senior member, typically myself," he stated with pride.
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.”
However, there are also touching instances. "Children have handed me their artwork done during the flight as keepsakes for us to keep at home, expressing gratitude towards us. Such encounters truly brighten up our day."
Nordin mentioned that living up in the sky comes with its own set of difficulties, even though he’s quite accustomed to them nowadays. "We have no idea about Saturdays or Sundays, or public holidays for that matter. Our lives follow our duty schedules."
In July 2024, when Nordin reached the mandatory retiring age of 60, his last flight ended up being an unexpected farewell gesture that became hugely popular online.
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.”
His farewell video became an internet sensation, even drawing the eye of AirAsia’s founder, Tony Fernandes, who openly commended Nordin for his extensive tenure and presented him with two flight tickets to Jeddah as a gift.
Travelers frequently recognize him nowadays due to the viral clip. "They might ask if I was the person Tony shared about," he says, "or comment that I appear to be around 45 years old." He admits this makes him feel quite pleased.
The surprise? Retirement wasn't permanent! Soon enough, Nordin found himself extending his service once again. What's his trick for maintaining youthfulness and vigor?
I'm passionate about sports and I also take care of my skin — I picked up that habit from my spouse," he chuckled. "But more crucially, I aim to lead a less stressed life. Take things slow, maintain a joyful state of mind.
He mentioned too that his dad is 93 years old and his mom is 87, yet they're both in great shape. It seems like good genetics might be running through them!
What guidance does Nordin offer to those looking to become flight attendants? "Patience is key, definitely. However, they should also strive to be cheerful and engaging."
After all, in the world of air travel, a smile can go a long way.
Follow Nordin Razali on Instagram .
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