Jet2 will be visiting the UAE on a recruitment drive.

[Old King Coal]

For those whom might have had enough of the Middle East:

https://krb-sjobs.brassring.com/TGWebHost/jobdetails.aspx?jobId=827582&partnerid=30013&siteid=6432

[misd-agin]

The passage of time is interesting. European charter companies now poaching ME3 pilots. That concept didn't exist five years ago.

[SOPS]

The wheel is really turning!! It is interesting to note how they highlight the offer a friendly environment to work in...... I think the message is well and truly out there.

[skysx33]

Excellent ...... Time to move :D:D

[highfive]

Their friendly manner is hearsay!
They have rejected so many uk based guys not during an interview or sim, but because of their Human Resources profiling during the online assesments.

Enjoy

[falconeasydriver]

Plenty of ex Jet 2 bods at EK are actively looking to return based upon a conversation I had before I left. That being said, the reason Jet poo are visiting is because they themselves continue to leak people to BA, Norwegian, and even Ryanair. But to be honest, if you've had enough, then better to leave with a job than without.
Are you listening TCAS? AAR? Thought not :ugh:

[Mr Good Cat]

Plenty of ex Jet 2 bods at EK are actively looking to return based upon a conversation I had before I left. That being said, the reason Jet poo are visiting is because they themselves continue to leak people to BA, Norwegian, and even Ryanair. But to be honest, if you've had enough, then better to leave with a job than without.
Are you listening TCAS? AAR? Thought not :ugh:

For DECs it's a guaranteed base of choice on a proper contract with a 737 rating paid for by Jet 2. They're the only UK airline currently offering this. EZY want your money for the 320 rating PLUS a 5-year stint frozen at LGW, and Ryanair won't commit to anything at the point of offer, PLUS want you to pay for the 737 rating.

A no-brainer for those who want/need to return to the North UK/Scotland/N. Ireland and don't rely on a 45k DHS paycheque. All depends on whether you are prepared to live a normal lifestyle or rely on the fancy brunches of Dubai hotels and private education for the kids (IMO not necessarily better than UK state education).

Will be worth a look down at The Westin on the 17th and 18th... Nothing to lose!

[harry the cod]

Mr Good Cat

Would very much depend on what defines a 'normal lifestyle'. They're a friendly bunch and not many, if any night flights to speak of. Not sure of the yearly hours but guaranteed less than EK's ever increasing and unsustainable targets. Two flies in the ointment though. Salary, after hefty UK tax and NI will be a big hit for those used to the ME salary and the rosters are anything but stable. So, if you can live with those changing rosters and a 60% salary decrease, it's worth a punt.

Good luck for those going and a wake up call to the EK management who appear to have their heads buried continually in the sand. Wake up 3rd floor, it's not just about the money. It's QOL that counts too!

Harry

[CaptainProp]

Harry I usually think you have a pretty balanced view on things but simply stating that tax and NI is high in UK and that salary is "60%" of that in Dubai is not a fair comparison.

How much is a 3-4 bedroom house in East Midlands for example? Food shopping at Tesco in East Middlands or Belfast compared to Dubai? What about all the "hidden" taxes and fees in Dubai? What if you include the announced increase in fuel prices in Dubai to the equation? Upcoming VAT? Etc etc. I don't even know the answer to all these questions but it's not all black and white you know.

Anyway, middle range (terms and conditions) low cost carriers running road shows in the Middle East is quite interesting and really shows how bad things have gotten in some companies.

Good luck to everybody!

CP

[Alloy]

Harry actually said a 60% decrease, ie 40% of the salary, but yes, at least for me, quality of life has to be a very big factor rather than just the money.

[Mr Good Cat]

Harry actually said a 60% decrease, ie 40% of the salary, but yes, at least for me, quality of life has to be a very big factor rather than just the money.

It's 5300 after tax on a busy month in the summer, and only 4500 in the quietest winter months (based on only 4 sectors flown !!!!)

Thats from a skipper at a small base I spoke to.

That's not 40% of my EK salary - but I agree it's a chunk less when you consider that you have to pay for your house and utility bills. Then again you will be living in the countryside with fresh air and no E311 and Meydan-style camps/compounds.

I guess there'll be lots of thinking to be done by some EK skippers over the next few months.

[tonker]

It's more like £5,000 in the summer, £3,800 in a quiet winter. Then factor in ridiculous house prices, grim weather, no staff travel, and no crew food.

People you work with are great, and are there to do a professional job for all the right reasons. Aircraft getting better as the 800 is phased in in increasing numbers.

[Chesty Morgan]

I guess it comes down to how much you work and individual pension contributions but since the beginning of 2014 my salary is broadly similar to the figures Mr Good Cat has quoted. My worst month was January last year and I took home a gnats under 4100. We've had a 5% and a 3% pay rise since then.

[crewmeal]

You're forgetting the off schedule diversions for the drunken layabouts that have to be off loaded because of bad behaviour. Poor Jet2 they seem to get more than their fair share lately.

[South Prince]

few months ago my initial online screening interrupted on his own ( could not continue to next section ); tried to contact them in various ways but never got the expected answer, something like...... system restored please try again; got a failure mail instead.
No wonder they have to go all the way out of europe to find people, I might not have passed the full test anyway but so far me and them don't know.

[Sheikh Your Bootie]

Probably worth a look see, and see how desperate they are for experienced commanders.

I have the t shirt, worked for a Bucket and spade outfit before, but the QOL at EK is a serious problem.

SyB :zzz:

[Mr Good Cat]

The fact they want experienced commanders alone is a step away from the traditional LoCo model... Any other UK jobs (except downgrading to a BA FO position) require either a type rating or 25,000 euros for the 'privilege' to fly for them. At least this one is the traditional 3 year training bond arrangement.

And for those from Oop Nerth it's a chance to go home and sit in the corner of a pub on your days off with flat cap and whippet, while the wife works down the salt mine. That's The North, right? ;-)

[Jolly Foreigner]

Went for selection as a NTR DEC at the end of last year and was offered a slot (19 years wide body Airbus, 9 years in command with training experience, last 12 with a ME carrier). Newcastle was the only slot they were offering and apparently this is the norm according to mates on the inside, and only a 70% contract which was neglected to be mentioned at the interview.

After challenging them on the 70% gig, when I wanted a full time contract, I was told that all NTR DEC's get 70% and after between 12-18 months they 'might' be offered 100% contracts.

The 30% reduction in package was also to cover the cost of the type rating, despite a 14k bond being in the 70% contract :ugh:

Overall assessment:- a tin pot outfit, run like an poorly organised flying club with arrogant, autocratic senior management - decided to stay put in the sandpit until something better came along.

[Chesty Morgan]

Well as a NTR 100% DEC I can tell you that you were told some porkies.

[Mr Good Cat]

Went for selection as a NTR DEC at the end of last year and was offered a slot (19 years wide body Airbus, 9 years in command with training experience, last 12 with a ME carrier). Newcastle was the only slot they were offering and apparently this is the norm according to mates on the inside, and only a 70% contract which was neglected to be mentioned at the interview.

After challenging them on the 70% gig, when I wanted a full time contract, I was told that all NTR DEC's get 70% and after between 12-18 months they 'might' be offered 100% contracts.

The 30% reduction in package was also to cover the cost of the type rating, despite a 14k bond being in the 70% contract :ugh:

Overall assessment:- a tin pot outfit, run like an poorly organised flying club with arrogant, autocratic senior management - decided to stay put in the sandpit until something better came along.

Well that is unusual. I went for the interview at the same time as you for NTR DEC and was told up front it was likely 70% for that year, but I could join the pool for 100% and my base of choice when contracts were available (which they are now).

I was just honest in the interview and told them I couldn't accept less than 100%, and couldn't accept the 757. In return I would bring a bit of experience and would be with them as long as they're in business.

Think it pays to be up front and honest when you're at the interview, providing it's done in a nice way of course.

[no sponsor]

You need to be v careful of Jet2. This is a company who had no hesitation in making pilots redundant from one base while hiring, at the same time, into other bases.

[Mr Good Cat]

Serious question - were the pilots at the base of closure not offered relocation to another base?

[White Sausage]

Went to the Westin for a chat with them. Very nice chaps, open and upfront. Doesn't sound too bad but the money really sucks...
I reckon they have to raise the salary to lure experienced guys but apart from that I'd seriously consider them over EK, just for lifestyle...

[kingpost]

The package EK offers is actually not bad, it just doesn't keep pace with inflation, so one ends up falling behind after each year.

If considering a move, money cannot come into the equation, is it enough to live on and maintain a decent lifestyle, although you may be earning more at EK, surely there's a price one factor in for the lifestyle!

Making the right choice will be a personal one. Does anyone think things are going to improve at EK?

[Chesty Morgan]

Serious question - were the pilots at the base of closure not offered relocation to another base?

I believe they were but refused to go.

[Mr Good Cat]

If considering a move, money cannot come into the equation, is it enough to live on and maintain a decent lifestyle, although you may be earning more at EK, surely there's a price one factor in for the lifestyle!

Making the right choice will be a personal one. Does anyone think things are going to improve at EK?

^^^ THIS ^^^

[sonylaptop]

Ladies and Gents, really interested in this Company, anybody considering heading home? Think I will apply. Appreciate sensible unemotional Feedback.

Thank you.

[Sheikh Your Bootie]

Seem like a nice bunch Habibi, but you have to want to live ooop north and fly in general old aircraft on bucket and spade European routes.

i've been there done that. The pay is a major put off, Easy and Ryanair pay way better. Each to there own, may suit some. Plus the rosters are pants, maxed out in the summer, quite winters with lost of standbys.

SyB :zzz:

[Mr Good Cat]

Seem like a nice bunch Habibi, but you have to want to live ooop north and fly in general old aircraft on bucket and spade European routes.

i've been there done that. The pay is a major put off, Easy and Ryanair pay way better. Each to there own, may suit some. Plus the rosters are pants, maxed out in the summer, quite winters with lost of standbys.

SyB :zzz:

That's the deal...

Except the Ryanair info you were given is duff - you have to pay for your rating, AND to earn more with Ryanair you have to be a contractor on hourly rates... great if you're a kid FO who is happy to get moved around from base to base at their will. However if you want a Captain's family life on a proper contract with your base written in stone you won't earn more I'm afraid... and without a rating you won't get your base of choice anyway.

easyJet is the most secure job in Europe (providing you're not at a small base at risk of closure)... Again you have to pay for your rating :mad: (even if you're EK 330 rated) and you have to accept LGW as your UK base frozen for 5 years before you join a transfer list. Will suit anyone who has a home nearby to the airport and doesn't want to move.

Jet2 is a compromise between the two... If you want a Northern base it's perfect. You work as hard as EZY and RYR in the summer then as stated you don't do much in the winter. You don't pay for the rating - instead being bonded for 3 years. 50% pay during the first 2 months or so in training.

Friendly atmosphere though and home every night, at least on the 737 fleet.

You don't leave EK for the money, just for the lifestyle. Never thought I'd hear that said!

[4Screwaircrew]

Pilots leave Jet2 for lifestyle and to improve quality of life.

[RHINO]

and for more beer tokens!

[no sponsor]

No they were forced to take reduced terms on their contracts, I.e. 70% contracts from a full time contract. 7 days to move base. I think the exact words were " take it or leave it...thousands want your job"

I know, because I was one of them! Fortunately I was in a position to refuse the "offer". Quite illegal under UK employment law.

As I said, no hesitation in trying to pull a fast one. Just watch it.

[Twiglet1]

Pilots leave Jet2 for lifestyle and to improve quality of life.
Moan moan moan it just goes full circle - maybe EK should do a pilots road show in Leeds and bring some sand and make a beach

[Emma Royds]

Before leaving home many feel that paying income tax is a burden but regard it as the norm, as everyone around you is in the same position. Once many become an ex-pat, then their outlook is diametrically opposed to what they previously thought - it is now normal not to pay income tax.

There will be a day when all of us will have to leave the Gulf and some may retire or some will continue to work. For those in the latter category, some sort of income tax is going to be inevitable for many. If you have been conditioned into thinking that not paying income tax is standard, then it is going to be very hard to swallow the pay cut in net salary.

In a wider context, the basic gross salary that we get paid by EK is shockingly low for a widebody operation. It's just that we benefit from a income tax free environment. Most pilots around the world have to pay some form of tax on their salary. We are in the minority here to live in a totally income tax free environment and not commute across a border to get to work, in order to enjoy such a perk.

You have to do what is right for you and your family. I am moving on from EK and not to Jet2, so I am not promoting them but just trying to provide a different perspective, as working in the Gulf can leave you with a slightly warped sense of reality.

[Mr Good Cat]

Pilots leave Jet2 for lifestyle and to improve quality of life.

As Emma said, it's about your own circumstances.

Those leaving Jet2 for lifestyle improvements probably link income to quality of life, fair enough.

Thos leaving the Middle East to join Jet2 probably value family, home base location and health as more important for them personally.

Above all, for most leaving it's about control, predictability (not talking about rosters here, I know the score with roster changes etc) and Health...

[Panther 88]

With regard to tax, all true except for those expats from the land of "milk and honey" (and guns).

[Mr Good Cat]

With regard to tax, all true except for those expats from the land of "milk and honey" (and guns).

A factor that is at least partially responsible for the exodus of US F/Os...

It's got to be a quick path command out here to justify the losses to the US tax coffers. It used to be a 3 year breather in the right seat. At the moment it's 5 years but will probably drop to less than 3 with the left seat resignations, unless there is a huge intake of DECs from LoCo's - the young itchy-pantsed left-seaters with no family ties. :E

[Mr Good Cat]

Once many become an ex-pat, then their outlook is diametrically opposed to what they previously thought - it is now normal not to pay income tax.

A shock for those who leave the Gulf, but also a shock for those who stay...

VAT on the way for non-essential goods. Next will be for all goods and services, followed by a stepped introduction of income tax. It's becoming hard to hide all the stealth taxes and fees but at the end of the day the money needed is a huge figure - and it has to come from anywhere but the national population, naturally. Such is life, the boom was pre-2008 and is over and we should all get used to that fact.

Still, for guys coming to the ME from Indian, Eastern European and SE Asian Low-cost airlines it's a great opportunity to rent cheap, live cheap and send the money back to their home country where the cost of living is cheap... I'd jump at the chance if I was in that position, who wouldn't? And they get to see the world too. Especially now the requirements are just a frozen ATPL... No -brainer!

[vfenext]

Goodcat, your posts are full of facts that are in reality just your opinion. Oh and by the way, it's a full ATPL not a frozen one. A minor detail that you missed in the interest of not letting the truth get in the way of a sensational story.

[Mr Good Cat]

Hey there fella, simmer down a little.

I ain't BS'ing you, or sensationalizing anything.

Check your facts with the guys who just applied with a frozen ATPL (which is where my info came from BTW).

And for the record I am not criticising the recruitment of anyone with a Frozen ATPL as recruitment should be done on experience AND merit. My problem is that the only people ME airlines will be attracting at present is those with low experience - and that's not good for anybody right? Even the accountants...

Shake hands and kiss n make up?

[vfenext]

Well you might like to inform your friends with the frozen ATPL that they are wasting their time. It's quite clear if you bothered to look where its written that its a full licence thats required.

[Toruk Macto]

Entry level requirements may be very fluid , changing quite quickly ?

[latetonite]

No country can validate half a license.