Emirates or FlyDubai

[tdk90]

Assuming you had offers from both companies and weren't concerned about the type of flying or aircraft type which company would you choose?

My priorities would be:

Pay assuming FO seat for 3-5 years
Best benefit package including housing, education allowance etc.

On the face of it it seems the pay is similar but there is no company housing provided with FlyDubai.

Thanks

[Wizofoz]

Perhaps not as easy a decision as it might seem-

Pay- If it is about the same, but does NOT include housing for FD, factor that in. Say, 150 000DHS/yr for a reasonable Villa, less for an Apartment. What are FD offering for Education?

Upgrade- faster at FD.

Lifestyle- Home every night with FD, but home after a LONG, tiring day. Probably more days off at EK, but also more night away.

If what you mention are the ONLY things that matter, FD might have the edge because of faster upgrade if nothing else-

But there IS more to life...

[dubaigong]

Every night at home at Flydubai will not be true anymore ...:\ , from October we are starting lay over at Dhaka and Chittagong :mad:
Who knows what will be next...

[BritishGuy]

I had a similar dilema. I've cut this one up in as many ways that I can, and in my head Emirates has come on top everytime.

FD works for some, but it's forever changing. If you're a Captain and want to remain one then FD may be the best choice. If you're an FO under the age of 35 (being generous) then EK would be the better gig. Because it is the better gig. They have better health insurance, a provident fund, a pick up-drop off and the option of company housing. I didn't care about these things in the begining as I had a "show me the money" attitude. But now I realize that some of those 'perks' are worth their weight in gold. I don't know about you, but I hate driving home after a night Dhaka flight - so tired it's a fight to stay awke on the SZR!

Just wanted to add, that if you're a single guy, again EK is better. FD starts to feel like a 9-5 job after a while. You're forever running back and forth from the 'office' (airport). With EK, at least you may get a few decent overnights. Unless you have a reason to stay in Dubai a lot (eg Family), it might be nice to travel the globe a little, see some places, meet some women :)

Just my 2 cents worth.

[tothepoint]

It all depends on how long you plan to spend working overseas.

FZ - if you would like to upgrade a little faster and then move back to your country for a DEC or other contracting jobs. FZ is not a long term career job. In the previous month 3 Captain and 2 F/o's resigned and thats just the start. This always is the case in a new expanding airline finding its groove. Upgrades currently at a drip!! possibly 3+ yrs for new joiners.

EK - if you plan to stay in Dubai and work LONG TERM. Single or family it doesn't matter the package far exceeds what is on offer with Flydubai. Not so much final pay but expendable income, provident fund, medical, staff travel, no bills, profit share... the list continues... worried about driving home from a late night long flight, company provides transport to and from home. EK command 5-8yrs at an estimate. EK Capt benefits once 10+yrs service far outway the hard earned slog at FZ over the same period.
The other great thing about EK is that you don't have cabin fever stuck in Dubai, you can get trips home and to other places around the world which give you a well needed break from Dubai.

Just my 2 bob worth

[tdk90]

Thanks for the replies guys, this is good stuff! I'm not solely motivated by money but my wife is only going to sign on to all this if the pay is good and we get a chance to save some money. I have 2 kids, so accommodation and schooling is very important.

[fliion]

ToThepoint hit the nail on the head.

I spoke to a senior FZ Capt who liked the idea originally of staying in DXB and now is dying for the o/nights...he's in a conumdrum because the thought of doing the LCC slog for the rest of his career is one thing if in home country but here...not even close.

He is exploring all angles with EK but he's not so sure there is an out.

[BritishGuy]

I have kids, and let me tell you, Emirates is far more established and all. They have a much stronger reputation in this part of the world. They also have a established links with companies and schools and the like.

If your kids end up going to JESS school lets say, Emirates will pay your debenture for your child. FD on the other hand, you're on your own.

Go anywhere for discounts (eg FedEx, Car Rental places etc) and they have agreements in place for EK, but not FD. These aren't make or break points, but just a few 'extras' to think about in the overall scheme of things.

I know these are small (some may say petty) things, but over a period of 10 years, it all adds up.

[sheikmyarse]

neither of the two... my friend... neither of the two.

[Oblaaspop]

And just so that you know, sheiky (above) got fired from EK (hence the bitterness) and has never worked for Fly Dubai......... Sage advice indeed!:hmm:

[leftarmover]

Please explain where the ‘bitterness’ is in ‘sheikmyarse’s ‘ post ‘Oblaasopop’..
To anyone coming from ‘first world’ employment to work in Dubai it is easerly argued only integrity is present in so few words..
Is it only when you’ve left that you regain your ability to express yourself honestly one wonders..?

[fatbus]

Those that get fired, quit prematurely or fail the interview (especially at the Sim phase ) are quick to dump all over EK. It's does have its problems ( some people bring their own - wife ) and for most the shine wears off after a year or two. LCC wears you out but so does 90+ mixed hours. Single lots of fun be had, married with kids= schooling for young kids is great, older kids and an even older ..... , depends where you are from. You will not be able to see family as much as you think.

[Chirpy Pilot]

With regards to FlyDubai, I applied about 5 weeks ago and there is no update on application, just says waiting decision for screening. Is this normal.

[mbw2]

What are the schedules like...daytrips and all nighters? Please explain, possibly with some examples. Any pilot here with family & small kids, how is FD working out and do you recommend it?
thanks

[FZckntkawrap]

It's a 24 hour operation. Flights depart at all times of the clock. Longest duty is around a 14 hour day leaving Dubai around 9am for the Russia and East Europe flights. Shortest duty would be a Muscat or Doha rt, which would be a 4 hour 30 min duty which could leave at 1pm or 1am. The worst duty for some is the 8pm report to fly to Columbo and back to Dubai after 8am. 70% of the report times are very late PM or early AM reports. Most of the midday reports are used for training, but training also takes place on the night reports as well. It works for some, others hate it and having a family doesn't seem to be a make or break factor with liking the company.

[Diz]

I have a question.
Is it a good idea to go to DXB as an FO with EK? or a Capt with FZ?

I am current NG rated capt and company in deep s**t.

So is it wise to come all the way to the ME to become an FO again and wait for command for 3-5 years?

please help..:ugh:

[scandistralian]

Don't forget with EK you can opt out of company accom and get 160,000 AED/year in 2 x 80,000AED cheques and also ERP, depending on where your base currency is, my AUD based ERP is worth about 1800 AED/month at the moment...

My flydubai friends are relatively happy, working quite a bit and home every night, in EK I have more days off, but also a fair few days away from Dubai too. We all seem to make enough time to embarrass ourselves at the various EPC discounted golf courses and drink our fair share of 15 AED beers on the beach!

[FZckntkawrap]

It is not wise to come to the middle east......unless you have an exit strategy.

[flying for fun]

FZ have stopped recruiting Direct Entry Captains - that might help with the decision process!

[NGFellow]

My suggestion is that if your airline is in dire straits and you are convinced you will be out a job in the foreseeable future, then you need to consider all available options which could include FlyDubai, EK etc. For one there is no guarantee that you will be selected and so don't put all your eggs in one basket. Once you have interviewed with the lot and have "firm" offers, you can decide on what suits you best. As someone rightly said, have an exit plan and assess where you can go after life here. For many, 5-6 years can be a lifetime. In many ways flying for an airline here is nothing like what you may have been used to elsewhere. I am referring to quality of life etc. Many will argue that QOL here is reduced significantly because in many cases there isn't a monthly bid as such and days off are given mainly for regulatory purposes and not so you can enjoy a nice family life.

[maples]

Hi there
I guess the only way to find out is to go there talk to people,visit schools, drive around and ....see what yor wife decides!
:ok:

[sofiane767]

hi guys, can anybody inform us about the travel benefits at FZ,all i can see is a free anual ticket back home ....do we have free courtesy tickets on emirates flights for other destination ???
cheers !!

[Wizofoz]

do we have free courtesy tickets on emirates flights for other destination ???


Well, seeing as how EMIRATES Pilots don't get those.....

[cr7driver]

Does anyone have interview info for Fly Dubai?

Is it like the EK profile? Also is there a medical assessment? I know that EK has a requirement for a BMI of less than 30, is Fly Dubai the same?

Thanks in advance.

[Dustwing]

Hello,

before CTC in Uk, the answer was yes for all your questions above, also, i heard last days FZ will open again for DEC's. I Would like to say that, with flying hours and house allowance, salaries in FZ for CPT goes above 50K dirhams month.

Basic salary itself, FZ cpt basic is lower than EK F/O basic.

But i think, as a package, emirates is much better than FZ, with or without family. EK hires DEC's and F/O's, so; if you can choose, go emirates.

cheers,

Ricardo

[MD11Man]

I read all the posts above and they are quite useful.

However, I'm at more of a beginning stage in this. Been invited for the selection at CTC; does anyone have some info on that? What kind of computer tests, what is the interview like?

Many thanks!

[Iver]

If you must be home most nights (not all - since FD now offers 1-2 layovers), FlyDubai is the better choice. For most other reasons, EK is the better choice.

Good luck!

[guasty]

Hi guys,

anybody here works for FD?

What about up grade for new joiners? I mean Tot flight time and tot flight time on FD aircraft too?

Thanks !

[GoreTex]

FD is the better choice, who wants to fly wide body aircraft all over the world for EK

[Iver]

No airline is perfect, and EK clearly has its own issues like most airlines. Flying heavies worldwide will be exhausting at times and living in Dubai regardless can be a cultural wake-up call.

But this recent post by a FlyDubai pilot caught my eye. Sounds very much like Ryanair but in a hotter climate (and flights into war zones). I copied this from the other FlyDubai thread :eek::



Another roster is issued and it's just more of the same. 3 nights in a row, starting with the shortest and getting progressively longer followed by 2 days off and then straight back into earlies. I don't have more than 2 days off together for the whole month. Unfortunately the manager of the department who issues these rosters has to be the most incompetent individual I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Then again, the office staff only get 2 days off a week so why should we get more days off than them.

If you do want to come out to the UAE I strongly advise you to apply to the big boys first. No job will ever be perfect but this place should be your last choice.

- You will fly between 850-900 hours a year with minimal days off
- You will fly rosters that would not get through a fatigue management system
- You will do layovers in third world countries
- You will fly into war zones
- You will fly deep night shifts returning mid/late morning

Doing all of the above knackered!

Don't get sucked into the trap of thinking that you will see more of your family here than what you would at Emirates because you are home after 99% of your duties. Think about it, 4/5 lengthy days on followed by 2 days off, finishing late on your last day and starting early on your first. On your first day off you are shattered and on the second day off you are already preparing yourself for the next duty.

A previous post mentioned that we mostly do 2 sector days/nights. On the whole that would be a true statement but you have to consider that the destinations are constantly challenging ( terrain/RT/incompetent dispatchers/difficult passengers ) Some of our 2 sector days consistently go into discretion, all of which takes its toll after a while. We do also have 4 sector duties even through the night, fancy that?

Do your homework on house prices if you are considering coming out here. You have been warned !!!