FOR most families, bonding over dinner conversations is a cherished routine. But for Captain Feroz Francis Abdullah and First Officer Nur Sarra Feroz Francis, bonding happens 30,000ft in the air. In lieu of the upcoming Father’s Day on 15 June, theSun spoke to the father-daughter flying duo from AirAsia to explore what it means to share not just a home, but a profession and a flight deck.
It is not every day one finds a family legacy quite literally taking flight. While aviation has long been regarded as a demanding and disciplined career, it is also one steeped in passion, dedication and precision.
For Feroz, who has logged over three decades of flight experience, aviation was never just a job, it was a calling. That same calling, passed down quietly but powerfully, now lives on in his daughter Sarra, who is forging her own path as a First Officer.
From runway to role model
Feroz’s journey into aviation began with childhood curiosity.
“I have always been fascinated by aviation. Watching planes take off and land sparked something in me. That fascination evolved into determination. I worked hard, starting from the basics and gradually building my experience, always motivated by the dream of commanding a commercial aircraft,” he said.
With decades of flying under his belt and roles as an Instructor and Examiner on the Airbus A320, Feroz’s career has been a masterclass in discipline and perseverance. His proudest achievement, however, does not involve awards or title but it is seeing his daughter Sarra soar through the same skies he has flown for years.
“One of my proudest moments was seeing my daughter Sarra, become a pilot and eventually fly for AirAsia. Watching her achieve her dreams and knowing I played a part in that journey is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
