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The Star
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Is cabin crew still a coveted career? These flight attendants prove so
During the 'Golden Age' of aviation, lasting throughout the 1920s to 1960s, there was a certain glamour associated with the flight attendant profession. Perhaps the novelty and perks contributed to this perception, but whatever it was, it certainly was enough to entice young women to join the glamorous world of stewardesses. ('Stewardess' was the common term used to refer to a female flight attendant at the time). To don the often-fashionable uniform, mingle among the rich and famous, and travel to exotic destinations – this was many a young woman's dream. Civil aviation has undergone significant changes throughout the decades, however, leading to the question of whether a cabin crew career is still one coveted in modern time. Puteri Arianna Balqish Megat Arizal Izram, 22, assures that it very much is. Unsurprisingly, it is still 'the glamour' that attracts some people's attention to the job, Arianna adds. Understandably so, because who wouldn't want to look as poised and be as well travelled as the women and men whose profession is celebrated globally every May? On May 31, 2015, the first International Flight Attendant Day (IFAD) was established, initiated by a Canadian cabin crew union. It has since expanded beyond the Canadian borders and is now celebrated worldwide. This year, a decade since its inaugural celebration, IFAD is observed with the theme, Legacy & Individuality: Wings Passed Down, Paths Made New. Arianna embodies the theme well. She is relatively new to the industry, having only become fit to fly as part of Malaysia Airlines' cabin crew in 2022, but this has long been her dream job, Arianna says. Her interest stems from being exposed to the aviation industry at a young age; her father is a long-serving pilot for the same airline. 'I used to follow my father on his flights,' Arianna explains, adding that seeing the cabin crew onboard inspired her to become one. Her enthusiasm in becoming part of the team is encouraging for the aviation industry, as it signals that the career continues to be an attractive option for the younger generations. Specifically, the Gen Z crowd, which currently encompasses youth in their early teens (who will be entering the workforce in a few years) to the late twenties. Arianna is far from the only Gen Z interested in the profession, as multiple comments and direct messages (DMs) on her social media would prove. 'It's still a thing,' she reassures. 'I get so many DMs of people asking me how to join or how to start their career as a cabin crew member.' Shazni is celebrating her 10th International Flight Attendant Day this year. Evolution of aviation To withstand the test of time, a profession must constantly evolve and continuously improve. The history of flight attendants exemplifies this. During the early 1900s, commercial aviation was still in its nascent stage. It would be another decade or so before the concept of 'stewards' aboard planes was introduced. Young men typically from the service industry, such as luxury hotel waiters or ship's boys, were hired to assist passengers in terms of luggage and safety. According to the United States' Federal Aviation Administration, it was only in 1930 that a woman named Ellen Church convinced Boeing Air Transport (now known as United Airlines) to give her a chance in the predominantly male profession. Church – a trained nurse, with a private pilot's license to boot – reasoned that nurses could provide better medical assistance to passengers. The planes' non-pressurised cabins at the time led to constant nausea and vomiting. Church's successful inclusion opened the door for more women to secure the stewardess role. After that the pendulum did swing too far to the other side for a time, when it became more accepted for stewardesses to do the job, while stewards were sidelined. It was only in the 1970s that it became the norm for both genders to be working in the field. The decade also saw the more gender-neutral term 'flight attendant' come into common use – flight attendants would collectively be referred to as cabin crew. However, it would take another four decades before the special day that is IFAD is designated to celebrate these hardworking women and men. Shazni is celebrating her 10th International Flight Attendant Day this year. Unsung heroes of the sky 'We just wish our colleagues (Happy IFAD),' Shazni Shazwani, 31, says with a laugh, referring to how they typically celebrate the day. As most cabin crew members would still be busy working on the day, huge celebrations aren't exactly feasible. With her 11 years of experience, 10 in commercial flights and one in Amal (Malaysia Airlines' Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage arm), Shazni has assimilated well to the cabin crew lifestyle. She says there are times she would have to celebrate festivities, like Hari Raya, away from home. But far from being down about it, she would instead happily celebrate with her fellow flight attendants. Forming a connection with each other is seamless for them. Because even if the cabin crew didn't know each other, the moment they were assigned to work together, they would 'just click', Shazni shares. She has also seen how the industry has changed over the years. There is a misconception among the public nowadays that flying is getting increasingly dangerous. But that really is only due to videos of flight incidents and mishaps being more easily accessible now, thanks to technological advancement and social media. Passengers can whip out their phones at any time to film seemingly out-of-the-ordinary occurrences. To Shazni, turbulences and aircraft issues are part and parcel of her job. There is that added sense of responsibility she feels when she is in her cabin crew uniform, she says. Safety becomes the priority. 'I become more aware of my surroundings,' Shazni says, adding that she will also 'think about the outcomes and what to provide in case of emergency'. Arianna agrees with Shazni's sentiments, sharing how on a recent flight, she herself had to maintain her composure during a particularly bad turbulence. 'The passengers were facing me, I had to just keep on smiling,' Arianna laughingly shares. She admits she was actually scared, but on the surface she remained composed to ensure that the passengers remained calm as well. Both of them lament the fact that there is also still this misconception of cabin crew being 'waitresses/waiters (or servers) in the sky'. These women and men, with their perfectly coiffed hair and brilliant smiles, do more than just serve passengers with 'coffee or tea?' – they silently work in the background making sure that everyone onboard stays comfortable and safe. Thankfully, because of IFAD, this fallacy is fading with time. As the celebration continues to shine the spotlight on these unsung heroes, cabin crew like Shazni and Arianna continue to pave the way for the future generations of more appreciated flight attendants.
The Star
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia Airlines and Google deepen strategic commercial partnership to drive travel innovation
Qureshi (left) and Dersenish (right) flanked by Malaysia Airlines cabin crew during the partnership ceremony. The partnership highlights Malaysia Airlines' drive to lead aviation's digital shift while boosting customer experience and tourism. MALAYSIA AIRLINES and Google have announced the expansion of their strategic commercial partnership, strengthening their shared ambition to redefine travel through artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, and innovative digital experiences. Building on a successful collaboration since 2024, the renewed partnership marks a significant step forward in Malaysia Airlines' digital transformation journey. The focus now shifts from consumer showcases to deeper integration of AI-powered marketing and end-to-end digital innovation across the airline's ecosystem. As part of this ongoing partnership, Malaysia Airlines and Google most recently unveiled an AI showcase at the recent Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair to bring Malaysia Airlines signature campaign 'Time For' to life. The showcase featured an on-ground pilot of Veo, Google's image-to-video generation technology. This interactive experience allowed visitors to bring their favourite travel memories to life using Google's state-of-the-art video generation tool – simply by uploading a photo and watching it transform into a dynamic video, ready to be shared across social platforms. The activation underscored both partners' commitment to pushing the boundaries of personalised and immersive travel engagement. At the core of this partnership is a mutual commitment to elevating the traveller journey. Google Gemini's advanced AI capabilities will power next-generation personalisation across multiple customer touchpoints, aligning with Malaysia Airlines' ambition to become the gateway to Asia and support Malaysia's broader goals as a regional aviation and tourism hub, in line with Visit Malaysia 2026. 'This is about transforming how we connect with our customers — from inspiration to booking, to every interaction across the journey. 'By leveraging Google's advanced technology and global expertise, we're unlocking new opportunities, enhancing the travel experience, and reinforcing Malaysia's appeal as a world-class tourism destination. 'This partnership reinforces our commitment to supporting the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 by positioning Malaysia as the gateway to Asia and beyond,' said Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer (airlines business) Dersenish Aresandiran. The partnership introduced an AI-powered experience using Google's Veo image-to-video tech, highlighting immersive engagement potential. The partnership is now formalised under a bold new Joint Business Plan, closely aligned with Malaysia Airlines' commercial growth strategy and brand aspirations. Key focus areas include: > AI-powered performance marketing: Leveraging Google's Performance Max and AI enhanced Search tools to drive smarter, data-led marketing outcomes. > Global brand building via YouTube: Launching targeted campaigns in the UK, ANZ, Japan, and key ASEAN markets to grow international brand affinity. > Agile innovation culture: Embedding a 'test and learn' mindset to accelerate innovation across the customer journey. > First-party data activation: Unlocking deeper customer insights to drive loyalty through Enrich and premium cabin offerings. Google Malaysia country director Farhan Qureshi said, 'Our collaboration with Malaysia Airlines showcases how technology and creativity can converge to transform travel at scale. 'Together, we're pushing boundaries to deliver more relevant, intuitive, and engaging experiences for travellers worldwide.' This expanded partnership underscores Malaysia Airlines' commitment to digital excellence, leveraging AI to streamline operations, personalise services, and create a seamless, customer-centric travel ecosystem. It also reflects a broader ambition to lead innovation in the aviation industry while supporting national tourism growth.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia Airlines unveils 'Time for Memorable Journeys' campaign
SEPANG : Building on the momentum of its successful 'Time For' campaign, Malaysia Airlines has introduced its latest iteration – Time For Memorable Journeys – inviting travellers to embark on enriching journeys with enticing fares across its domestic and international network. The sale is available until today for travel until March 31, next year. This campaign encourages travellers to discover new cultures and create unforgettable memories, all while enjoying the renowned warmth of Malaysian Hospitality. Travellers can explore Malaysia and beyond with all-in return Economy Class fares from *RM119 to popular domestic destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi and from *RM419 to international cities such as Bangkok, Trivandrum, Paris and more across Malaysia Airlines' global network. From hidden gems like Da Nang to iconic spots like Auckland and the soon-to-return Brisbane, this campaign makes travel more rewarding and memorable. All Economy Class fares include 20kg of checked baggage, offering great value whether it's a vibrant escape, cultural journey, or romantic getaway. Experience greater comfort, seamless connectivity, and the signature hospitality of Malaysia Airlines. For travellers transiting through KLIA Terminal 1, the Bonus Side Trip offers added value with a complimentary stopover to one of seven exciting Malaysian destinations — such as Langkawi, Penang, or Johor Bahru — all within a single ticket. Travellers can also enjoy enhanced onboard offerings, including the personalised "Chef on Call" menu and elegant amenity kits. Families with children benefit from the MH Young Explorers Club, with perks such as priority check-in, family boarding, kid-friendly meals and engaging activity packs. To elevate the experience, Malaysia Airlines provides a 24-hour Private Terminal transfer service for Enrich Platinum, Business Suite and Business Class passengers. Featuring a luxury fleet of Mercedes Benz sedans, including the S 580 e Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EQS 500 4MATIC, the service ensures seamless, chauffeur-driven transfers between KLIA Terminal 1's Main Terminal and Satellite Building. With the recent enhancement of Malaysia Airlines' Fare Family (Economy Value, Basic and Flex) offers added benefits like baggage allowance, seat selection and priority services, with varying flexibility for refunds and rebooking. Enrich members also receive an additional 5% off fares, while non-members are encouraged to sign up for free to access this benefit. With Malaysia Airlines, it's not just about getting there – it's about how you feel along the way. Time For Memorable Journeys is your call to explore with heart, reconnect with the world and make every mile matter. For more information or to book, visit or download the mobile app for the latest deals and promotions. *Fares shown are for Economy Basic, subject to availability. Return fares apply to bookings made during the campaign period from 7–20 May 2025 for travel between 1 June 2025 and 31 March 2026. Blackout dates apply. Visit for more details.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia update name guidelines to make travel easier for locals
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have updated their name entry guidelines for flight bookings to better accommodate Southeast Asian naming conventions. According to the airlines, the changes aim to resolve confusion caused by names that do not follow traditional Western formats. Malaysian names have caused problems during flight check-in in the past, primarily due to the unique naming conventions and how Malaysian passports do not separate first and last names in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). This has led to confusion and errors when booking tickets and checking in, especially with airlines outside Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines now separates names into 'First & Middle Name' and 'Last Name/Surname'. AirAsia uses a similar format, splitting names into 'Given Name' and 'Family Name/Surname'. The revised systems now recognise a wider range of naming traditions, including those from Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese backgrounds. A screen capture from the Malaysia Airlines site shows its guide for name entries. Under Malaysia Airlines' rules, names like 'Vincent Tan Ming Ban' would be split with 'Tan' as the surname and 'Ming Ban Vincent' as the given name. Similarly, in cases such as 'Foo Mei Mei', 'Foo' is the surname and 'Mei Mei' the given name. Passengers with names containing 'Bin' or 'Anak' must now place those titles in the surname field, as shown in the example of 'Mohd Ali Ahmad Bin Mohd Abu'. What's in a name? when the correct way to fill in your #AirAsia guest name — AirAsia (@airasia) May 19, 2025 The changes apply only to new bookings, and do not affect existing reservations.
Malay Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia update name guidelines to make travel easier for locals
KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have updated their name entry guidelines for flight bookings to better accommodate Southeast Asian naming conventions. According to the airlines, the changes aim to resolve confusion caused by names that do not follow traditional Western formats. Malaysian names have caused problems during flight check-in in the past, primarily due to the unique naming conventions and how Malaysian passports do not separate first and last names in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). This has led to confusion and errors when booking tickets and checking in, especially with airlines outside Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines now separates names into 'First & Middle Name' and 'Last Name/Surname'. AirAsia uses a similar format, splitting names into 'Given Name' and 'Family Name/Surname'. The revised systems now recognise a wider range of naming traditions, including those from Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese backgrounds. A screen capture from the Malaysia Airlines site shows its guide for name entries. Under Malaysia Airlines' rules, names like 'Vincent Tan Ming Ban' would be split with 'Tan' as the surname and 'Ming Ban Vincent' as the given name. Similarly, in cases such as 'Foo Mei Mei', 'Foo' is the surname and 'Mei Mei' the given name. Passengers with names containing 'Bin' or 'Anak' must now place those titles in the surname field, as shown in the example of 'Mohd Ali Ahmad Bin Mohd Abu'. What's in a name? when the correct way to fill in your #AirAsia guest name — AirAsia (@airasia) May 19, 2025 The changes apply only to new bookings, and do not affect existing reservations.
