Defying Age Limits

Age is just a number for Allstar Nordin, who just celebrated his sweet 60. At an age when some retire, he’s still going strong, marking his 16th year as a Senior Cabin Crew with AirAsia, the world’s best low-cost airline. Despite his age, he’s turning heads and is as charming as ever! Tune in as we put him in the Hot Seat to get the scoop on his secrets to staying youthful and how he balances life in the skies and on the ground with his family.

1. Hey, Nordin! Ready to fly? Lead the way with 3 fun-facts about you.

• Believe it or not, I’ve been in the industry since 1989, but I’ve been flying with AirAsia for 16 years and counting.

• I’m a huge advocate for staying fit. In my free time, you’ll most likely find me doing outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking, or camping.

• I do a lot of reading to gain knowledge and philosophies of life that can add value to my experiences.

2. How’s the journey been?

It’s been quite a ride, for sure. I’ve been in the industry for 35 years, and despite being at the age of retirement — or at least close to it — it’s just a number to me. I’ve been blessed with good health and have met wonderful people along the way. I still find it surprising when people comment on my youthful appearance, but I think it all comes down to staying in shape and maintaining my health. After all, it’s part of my duty as a representative of the airline.

As a person who finds joy in travelling, I’m all for working in a fast-paced environment where I have to be on my toes at all times. Of course, I’ve had my ups and downs, but it’s important to have confidence in myself. I’ve been really fortunate to earn a livelihood and provide for my family.

3. Tell us your secrets to achieving such a youthful look at your age!

It’s like what everyone says: the key to maintaining good health is a balanced diet and the right amount of exercise. Luckily for us cabin crew, we have an officer who often monitors our health, checks our BMI (body mass index), and talks with us about our physical and emotional well-being.

Besides my usual “eat healthy” and “exercise” routine, I find zen in practising tai chi, running, and qigong, which I picked up online! As a cabin crew, I’ve got to keep in mind that my role entails me to stay in good shape. But I guess that’s a win-win. Not only do I get to work in a field I love, but I also maintain a healthy lifestyle.

At the end of the day, it’s all part of the routine and something I’ve gotten accustomed to in my 35 years in the industry.

4. How do you balance uncertain flying rosters and time with family?

On my days off and when I’m on leave, I make it a priority to spend time with my family. It’s a shared effort between my wife and me. She’s a boss lady — a businesswoman who even owns a cafe. But we’re both huge outdoor enthusiasts, so our family days usually involve us being out and about.

I’m a father of four. My kids are all grown up now and pursuing their careers. Despite my hectic schedule, I’ve always tried my best to support them. From their studies to their spiritual beliefs and life values, it’s my role as a father to guide them with patience, dignity, and honesty.

As a family-oriented person, I chose AirAsia to stay close to my loved ones. I liked the idea of flying for a non-full-service airline so I could easily visit and spend more time with my family. Lucky for me, AirAsia has a hub right here in my hometown, Kuching. This way, I could do what I love in the skies and still come home to my family. It’s been a long journey, and despite my busy schedule, I was able to watch my kids grow up and grow alongside them in so many ways.

5. What skills have you learned as a cabin crew and how have they contributed to other aspects of your life?

Being a cabin crew isn’t as glamorous as it seems, and it’s surely no easy task. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing incredible moments, like helping women in labour and delivering babies — such a sheer delight.

Then there’s the knowledge you gain in first aid. You can’t always anticipate when it’ll be needed, but it’s rewarding to have such an important skill that can come in handy. It all comes down to my family. The experiences I’ve gained over the years as a cabin crew have helped me become a better father and husband.

6. Tell us about a challenging moment you’ve experienced during your career!

You know the stereotype that people my age aren’t tech-savvy? Well, having worked in my field for decades, I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years — especially in technology. Keeping up with it all has definitely been a challenge. But it’s something I had to overcome because my work requires me to be in the know on the latest developments. I’m really grateful to have people around me who I can learn from and who have helped me throughout this journey.

7. Any advice for those looking to pursue a career like yours?

You run into all sorts of people from different backgrounds day-to-day. Communication with passengers is crucial. You need to converse with all types of passengers with the right attitude, which requires a good command of English. How you carry yourself plays a big role in your performance and a core part of the job responsibility as a cabin crew. So, you’ve got to stay diligent in what you do.