A senior pilot with decades of experience in the cockpit for Malaysia Airlines has become a junior again at a budget carrier so he can fly with his pilot daughters before he retires.
Safia Anisa, 23, revealed how her 58-year-old dad had left a top post with Malaysia Airlines to join her and her 28-year-old sister Amira at low cost carrier AirAsia.
She shared a picture of herself and her sister in the cockpit with their father on Twitter which melted hearts online after she revealed the sacrifice he had made for them.
Anisa said: “This man left the company he’s been with for 40 years, started fresh as a junior, got a new rating at the age of 58, just so he could fly with two of his annoying daughters.
“I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this. Alhamdulillah, I finally got to fly with my Abah!”
Anisa revealed her father, who she did not name, had been with award-winning Malaysia Airlines since joining the company as a cadet after leaving school.
He had gone on to become one of the premier airline’s most experienced pilots, qualified to fly many different planes, as well as working as a flying instructor and examiner.
But he had quit to go back to square one with budget airline AirAsia just so he could fulfil his ambition to fly with his daughters before his retirement in five years’ time.
Online commentators queued up to pay tribute to the devoted dad, including netizen ‘qalzak’ who said: “What a dad… both of you are blessed. Nothing beats the love and sacrifice of a father to his children.”
‘Monster Mommy’ commented: “Your dad is truly the example of how one can have a much ‘exalted’ career and yet remain down to earth and true to his roots”, while ‘sharifahamani’ added: “You’re so blessed!! May love and joy surround you and your family forever!!”
‘Thariq’ said: “Just flew with him! This amazing guy has 13 types of aircraft rating!” and ‘effie7am’ noted: “You must be very, very, very proud of your dad.”
Anisa replied: “Aww thank you for the well wishes everyone!!”
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Story By: Simon Glover, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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