Monday, October 19, 2015

FROM JET AIRWAYS.............................1

TWO DECADES OF AMAZING SERVITUDE!


Sheer providence brought me to Hyderabad in 2004.

From the following year onwards, I started flying regularly for my lecture engagements. It was in 2005 that I met Shaik Abutalib (45) popularly known as "Abdul" for the first time.

During those days I used to fly by Kingfisher Airlines and though Abdul was working for Jet Airways we were friends nevertheless. We used to often meet at the old airport at Begumpet, Hyderabad. Even then I used to fly 90 times a year and my frequent visits to the airport got me to observe Abdul’s servitude. I have been connected with him since then. Our relationship only became stronger over the years.


Today (11 years hence) I am a Platinum Card holder of Jet Airways and Abdul is part of the MAAS team of Jet Airways.

MAAS means "Meet And Assist". At Hyderabad Airport there are four loaders exclusively dedicated to the MAAS of Platinum Card Holders, Frequent Fliers, VIPs and CIPs (Commercially Important People) - Ganesh, Suresh and Riyaz are the other three along with Abdul.

Essentially, this is the first time that I am writing on an ‘Everyday Hero’ from the aviation industry. So far I have blogged only on hotel employees.  This is just a beginning though. I will be writing more on Jet staffers going forward, as I do see impeccable service from this team ….and hence this story!

What I found profoundly appealing in Abdul is his readiness to help the passengers. God alone knows how many times he has assisted me by escorting me and by providing baggage assistance.

Enormously helpful……always joyous at work…always having a hawk like vigil….completely focussed…..cool, calm and composed. These are Abdul's inimitable qualities which I like.

He has been serving Jet airways passengers since 1995. This December he will be completing two decades in the role of a loader.

He lives with his wife Nazima Begum and his two children -  his son Shaikh Habib (15) and daughter Sana Samreen (14) at Shamshabad (12 kms away from the airport).

Praying is main hobby…..for himself and for others.

May Allah be with him always!


Text and Pictures: R Kesava Mallia in Hyderabad 


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