GOASIAPLUS October 2017

Now Boarding
We chatted with veteran Airasia pilot Captain
Nazli Shah and his daughter Captain Ilyana
Nazli Shah, also a pilot at AirAsia on getting
assignments to fly together - like when they
got the chance to fly the Prime Minister in
2013 and their travel preferences after flying
everywhere for their occupation.
INTERVIEWED BY AISHAH AZALI • PHOTOS BY CAPTAIN NAZLI &
CAPTAIN ILYANA
If you are travelling for leisure, what attracts you to a certain
country or city? History, food, culture?
FATHER (F): It is what the country has to offer which will usually
be a bit of everything. As I don’t usually go for holidays alone,
holidays are normally centered on family interest. I have a wife
and 3 daughters. Imagine going for a holiday with 4 women!
DAUGHTER (D): What attracts me to a certain country is its
nature. Be it the beach, the highlands or countryside. I would
love to just laze around by the beach or take a drive around
town. I also love sight-seeing and learning about different
cultures. I tend to visit museums and admire the architecture.
How does a pilot pack for work? Do you consider yourself an
expert in packing now because of your occupation?
F: As I fly the A320 aircraft, our roster seldom include a nightstop,
but if I do get assigned for an overnight flight, it will be just
a few necessary items. Extra underwear is a must.
D: As I fly with Airasia, I don’t have to pack any clothing other
than the essentials such as documents, stationary etc. Holidays
with the family however would be a slight headache for me as I
need nice outfits for photo sessions. I used to get scolding from
my sisters for not bringing “nice” clothes.
Was it intimidating when you both got called to fly together for
the first time? Do you often get called to fly together now?
F: Not for me but probably for my daughter. I find it quite
enjoyable but I’m sure she found it nerve wrecking. She puts high
expectations on herself. We flew the Prime Minister to Kuantan
in 2013 and that was unforgettable. First ever father and
daughter team flying the Prime Minister on an AirAsia aircraft.
D: Well, it was for me because (a) he’s my father, (b) he’s one of
the ‘Otais’ in the company (been with the company since DRB
Hicom days) and finally (c) he’s an authorised examiner.
So yeah! I was very nervous. I didn’t know what he would
think of my flying, but it was all good. His only comment is my
PA was “laju macam keretapi” (too fast). Our 5th and last flight
together was in January 2013. It was a special request from Tony
himself to fly the Prime Minister for the Integrasi 1 Malaysia
Program. It was truly an honour and an unforgettable experience.
Not to mention nerve wrecking as it was my second flight as
captain and also my first VVIP flight.
Where is the farthest country you’ve flown to as a pilot,
separately and together?
F: The furthest I have flown to was Melbourne when I was flying
the A330 aircraft, together with Ily was to Chengdu on the A330.
D: Separately would be Europe (London & Paris) during my days
with Airasia X flying the A340. Chengdu would be our longest
flight together, on the A330 in Airasia X.
Do you have any rituals or habits that you practice before
flying?
F: No rituals for me, but I do say a prayer before every take off.
D: I don’t have any in particular. I just pray that the house is kept
safe and also for a safe journey. I also “bagi salam” upon entering
the plane and “selawat” before every take off.
How do you stay connected to your loved ones when you are
always in the air or abroad?
F: On the internet, phone calls or WhatsApp. It’s so easy with the
internet nowadays.
D: That’s the beauty of the internet and WhatsApp. I’ll usually
send a text to the family group during my local transits just to
let them know where I am and that I’m OK. International flights
however, I only text them when I’m departing and when I’ve
arrived in KL.
What attracted both of you to become pilots?
F: For me, it was a something I wanted to be since I was in
secondary school. I served in the Royal Malaysian Air Force for
14 years. I was attached to No.2 squadron flying the VVIPS for a
number of years. I joined AirAsia in 1997 and God willing hope to
retire with AirAsia.
D: It was a natural transition for me as my father’s a pilot. I have
always looked up to him. I also wanted to be different as there
weren’t many ladies in the aviation world in Malaysia.
Do you have a father/daughter bucket list that you wish to
experience?
F: Go for a holiday to the Maldives, but with the whole family will
be better... all expenses paid!
D: An all-expense-paid trip by our beloved boss Tony to the
Maldives!! Hahahaha! Tony, please don’t get mad.
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