Scheduling Success
Fireflyz speaks to Nadeera bt Yusoff, a Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive at Firefly Airlines, who ensures that each flight is adequately staffed and runs smoothly.
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Family time is one of her top priorities
What are your responsibilities as a Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive?
My job involves analysing the aircraft rotation plan, by which I will be able to design a flight pattern. Once this is done, I will hand over the flight pattern to the rostering team who will then come up with a crew roster. It also falls to me to ensure full compliance with Flight Time Limitations in accordance to Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) requirements and Company Network &Scheduling planning. Overseeing annual leaves and crew mutual are also part of my job scope.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
I was born in Melaka and raised in Subang. I graduated with a Diploma in Electronic Engineering (Communication), from Politeknik Shah Alam and a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Electronic Engineering Technology, from University Malaysia Perlis.
What sort of skills and knowledge are needed for your position?
The ability to function well in a high-stress environment.
What were you doing prior to being appointed a Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive?
I joined Firefly in February 2009 as a Crewing Officer, and then appointed as Rostering Officer after two months. I held that position for three years and then assumed the role of Rostering Associate until 2015, where I was appointed as a Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive.
How much has your previous experience helped you in your current role?
When I started working at Firefly as a Crewing Officer, I learnt and familiarised myself with the daily patterns and crew rotation and also learnt themonthly patterns and crew rotations when I was appointed a Rostering Officer. The knowledge in both areas combined, helped me in optimising flight programmes into pairings when taking into account crew availability, thus producing a roster which maximises crew productivity whilst balancing operational costs.
What is a typical day for a Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive like yourself?
I am in the office as early as 8:30 AM, and start my day by responding to urgent emails such as leave applications, mutual and also tracking latest Schedule Change Notice (SCN) from the Networking & Schedule team.
What do you like the most about your job?
I really enjoy the learning process that I have undergone in recent years, one of which is the importance of time management. During the planning stages, I always set a deadline for myself in order to stay ahead of the game and make things easier for my staff members. This journey of growth is something I value immensely and like about my job.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I would say that it is the demanding nature of the job, whereby tasks need to be carried out urgently and efficiently, with limited time at hand and balancing the crew roster at the same time. It requires a lot of multitasking and the ability to prioritise.
How do you manage to achieve a work-life balance?
I always ensured that my assigned tasks are completed well before any deadlines so as to avoid rushing at the last minute. My family will always be my top priority, which is why I also make it a point to spend time with them as much as I can.
If you were not the Crew Planning & Monitoring Executive for Firefly, what would you probably be?
I would probably have ended up being an engineer or teacher perhaps.
Do you have any parting words of wisdom to share for those who wish to work in your industry?
Never stop learning. Do not give up and always stay positive.
Have you travelled to any Firefly destinations? Do share with us one of your travel memories either with friends or family.
Yes, I have. I mostly travel to Langkawi. As Subang Airport is conveniently located near my house, this makes things much easier.
