After 40 years of service as an airline stewardess, Zuhaimi Hashim has officially retired, marking the end of an inspiring career that not only touched countless passengers but also influenced her daughter to follow in her footsteps. A heartfelt tribute shared on TikTok by her daughter, @iamdelilahzainal, known as Delilah Zainal, has since captured public attention, highlighting both Zuhaimi’s legacy and the unique bond she shares with her daughter, who now continues the family tradition in the skies.

40 years in the skies

After four decades of dedication, commitment, and unwavering service, Zuhaimi Hashim has officially signed off from her career as a senior airline stewardess, marking the end of an era in Malaysian aviation.

Zuhaimi first joined the airline in the early 1980s, when air travel in Malaysia was still growing rapidly. Over the years, she dedicated herself to her role and built a long-standing career that spanned four decades. Delilah expressed deep pride and admiration for the sacrifices and hard work her mother put into her career, as well as the love and devotion she poured into raising a family.

“After so many years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices, you finally have the time to relax, enjoy life, and focus on yourself. I’m so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, not just in your career but in raising a family with so much love,” she wrote.

The emotional post also conveyed warm wishes for this new chapter, hoping it would be filled with good health, endless joy, and the adventures Zuhaimi has always dreamed of. “You truly deserve all the happiness in the world. Love you always,” the message concluded.

Her retirement stands as a testament to resilience, loyalty, and the powerful balance between professional excellence and family devotion, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by both her colleagues and loved ones. Netizens also joined in congratulating Zuhaimi for her retirement, praising her remarkable service and devotion.

Daughter follows in her mother’s footsteps among the skies

While Zuhaimi begins her well-earned retirement, Delilah has already stepped into the very same skies. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she joined the airline industry in March 2025 as an air stewardess.

When asked what inspired her career choice, she answered without hesitation: “My mother is my inspiration.”

The daughter describes working in the same profession as her mother as a privilege.

“Honoured and happy. Indescribable feelings. I feel like I belong in the airline,” she shared.

When they were assigned to the same plane, Delilah said having her mother by her side made her feel safe and gave her greater confidence in her work.

Lessons and challenges faced by Zuhaimi and Delilah

Like her mother, she acknowledges that challenges are part of the profession. But her mother taught her valuable lessons to face them with grace.

“Communication is key, and she taught me to always treat people with kindness, despite race, skin color, and religion,” she explained.

Interestingly, the shared profession also gave her a new perspective on her mother. “She’s very fierce at home, but I saw a side of her I had never seen while working with her,” she said, noting how the experience brought them closer.

The role of a stewardess

Speaking about her duties, she emphasized that safety always comes first. “Safety is our priority, and we work as a team,” she said, highlighting the collective responsibility of cabin crew members regardless of rank.

Delilah hopes to continue the legacy with her son as a future pilot

Though new to the profession, she is already thinking long term, just like her mother.

“I look forward to making another sweet memories with my son as a pilot in Malaysia Airlines in another 10-15 years,” she shared, reflecting a vision of continuing the family legacy into the next generation.

Delilah carries on her mother’s legacy in the skies

As Zuhaimi Hashim begins her well-earned retirement, her daughter now carries on the family’s legacy in the airline industry. It is a story not only of professional excellence but also of inspiration passed from mother to daughter, a bond strengthened both at home and at 30,000 feet in the sky.

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