Kuwait Airways Recruitment (KU) all you need to know about it

[one mile]

Any advice for F/O position are appreciated, pay, benefits etc...
and also lifestyle for family in Kuwait, any schools and decent hospitals?
Applied with MC-Ginley, got shortlisted but for a month no news.

Any one working at KU can give some infos will be much appreciated.

Thanks to you all,


1Mile

[pfvspnf]

Does Kuwait airways uograde expats ?

[one mile]

seems that nobody is really interrested by KU.... :(:(:(:(:(:(

[Goofeed]

I'm also short listed at the mcginley process but waiting for news, if somebody knows something it would be great.

[Bret boy]

I'm also short listed at the mcginley process but waiting for news, if somebody knows something it would be great.

There's no reply still.. Fingers crossed..! I was short listed as well..

[Bret boy]

USD8,700 pm

[Goofeed]

There's some information about money and roster pattern in mcginley email, and it seems to be very nice.
Looks like we will have the other important information, like upgrade, on the interview.

[Perwazee]

Make sure you know how to serenade a Porn Star in Cruise Flight over the Atlantic (on thy way to US, nonetheless!) or know how to ‘grow balls’ and assert yourself on the captain who’s ‘makes-his-own-rules’.
:ok:

[thegypsy]

I thought KAC stopped flights to US as they refused to take Israelis??

I left KAC in Dec 1979 so a bit out of date. It was a sh** hole then and probably still is.

[Metro man]

I think they only stopped selling tickets on the New York - London sector, therefore the route is sold as a journey between New York and Kuwait, and as Israeli passport holders aren't allowed into Kuwait it gets around discrimination laws.

There is also a Manila - Bangkok sector where the question of Israeli passport holders could come up but the fifth freedom rights are currently suspended by the Philippines in a dispute overt traffic rights in the Middle East for Philippine carriers.

Kuwait Airways website has no provision to enter "Israel" as country of birth or citizenship so Israelis can't buy tickets.

[Slash787]

Life in Kuwait is not that easy for expats like in Dubai, almost everyone here hates Dubai, so imagine how Kuwait would be, I have heard that the Arab captains are pretty rude and bossy in the airline.

[Metro man]

I heard that US flights are going to route via Dublin instead of London. US pre clearance is available from DUB so it makes the arrival a bit easier. Slot availability, lower charges and increasing loads may come into it. Of course, if they won't sell tickets to Israelis there won't be fifth freedom rights.

[Jetkopite]

Hey guys anyone here has any info with regards to working for Kuwait Airways as captain on the B777? Looking for info with regards to salary and rostering. Also is it possible to commute to Europe from there? Any info from anyone who works there would be great..

[Goofeed]

Since mid July I haven't heard from them, Someone has something?

[pfvspnf]

Have KWT ever upgraded expat FOs?

[Feather44]

No, they do not

[Goofeed]

I have been invited for a interview, I m not sure I'm going, Are someone going?
And is there any news?

[Flyboy_SG]

Stay away guys. Astronaut training, No upgrade and "my way or no way" Captains .
Dont get lured by money.

[Thunder 11]

What happened to the short listed guys?
Does anyone attend the interview?

[Hakeem]

Gud day guys,

I don't see any vacancy on their website for dec crew. Anyone with possible info.

Thanks.

[pfvspnf]

How are the expats treated here?

All you hear about this company is decades of mismanagement. The country is generally very unfriendly towards foreigners.

Hope anyone can elaborate more on their plans

[foreveryoung flyboy]

Here are indicative terms which would be offered by Kuwait Airways for Direct Entry First Officers for a position on the A320.

In addition to extremely attractive indicative Tax-Free basic pay of up to USD8,700, there are extensive benefits including:

- Monthly Productivity allowance (Average USD1,275)
- Hourly overtime monthly (USD40 per hour in excess of 85 hours monthly)
- Layover Allowance USD7/hour plus hotel and transport provided
- 45 days Annual Leave
- 2 x 8 Block days off annually
- Family Medical and Healthcare scheme
- Monthly child education allowance (up to USD167 per child)
- Monthly Accommodation Allowance (up to USD1,400 )
- One-off furniture allowance of between USD2,500 and USD 7,500
- Generous free travel on Kuwait Airways and rebated travel on other carriers

[mamamia]

What's the captain pay please

[Merrier]

Anyone has info about direct entry 777.any Malaysian pilot.give feedback

[dieana]

Hi Guys,

The 777 cost for NTR is 82000 U$S, I think is too high and five years bond. Besides the school fee is real low, less than 170 U$S for kid, is this a joke? I can see that there is no incoming protection for dollars variation.

What about family life in Kuwait, better or worse than Qatar?

Thanks and happy flights!!

[TowerDog]

It has been a few years, but I worked and lived there.
Lots of time off at base, we were over staffed on the 747.
Boring in Kuwait, if one of us had smuggled in a bottle, or made wine, a party could be had.
Otherwise the highlight of the day was to go shopping and eat dinner at the mall.
Booooring.
Many of us tried to catch a ride to London or Dubai for a few days of pub-hopping on Duty-Free periods: Can't do, you are a prisoner, Kuwait Airways will not issue an exit visa unless you ask permission in advance, or have an emergency.
Night stops was ok, good hotels and we got paid cash for per-diem at the hotel counter, strange system..
Catering was good, the Kuwaitis were ok to fly with, except for a few arses..
All in all, not a fun place to work.
If you can negotiate a London or Paris base, it would be a great job.

[thatwasclose]

Civilized world ? You mean the one that colonized and brutalized a large majority of the nations that you mention . And the continent that you mentioned . Yeah . Civilized .
Kuwait is Kuwait , locals are locals . Got no problem with you bitching about a company or country . Your post though just makes me cringe. If you are from such a superior and higher civilization level how the hell did you fxxx up and have to work for such backward savaged ?

[Iznogood]

Wondering how many pilots from "civilized world" (i.e from Europeans and US) sold themselves and now serving as slaves in Asia, Africa and Middle East.

[flyhigh788]

How many hours on the Bus do they require as FO?

[Kim Skywalker]

I'm currently flying on the B777 fleet. The company is in need of pilots and they are sincerely "trying" to change the culture. I have to agree with what some of the posts say. Yes there are no expat upgrades to Captain however that might change, note I use the word "might".

Living here as an expat is strange though, you're either socially accepted or you just make do. If you come here from the "civilized world" like one post put it, you most definitely will be out of sorts.

A lot of pilots come here because they won't be accepted in other companies and after they get here they behave like they are the "best in the world", if you cannot stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

The 3 year bond or $60,000 default is a JOKE but you either take it or leave it. (The LAW prohibits a 5 year bond so look into that before you sign anything)

The company offers a comprehensive health plan for the pilot and family of the pilot.

The school allowance is a joke? but if you work for a company which offers you better why come here?

The housing allowance is fair and you can find something decent within the price range offered.

No "nightlife" meaning, no bars or pubs, no nightclubs/lounges or strip joints, no organized prostitution clubs like "Cyclone" in Dubai.
In Kuwait, it is all about FAMILY so bring yours along and enjoy the numerous restaurants and decent indoor malls.

With regards to the "arsehole" pilots, I would like to think everyone airline has that, I'm assuming here so please don't quote me.

Previous post information about pay is somewhat correct. If you're a type rated pilot looking to build your hours and save some money so you can move on most definitely apply for a job. KU is currently hiring pilots on the B777, A330 and A320 so you can directly contact:

[email protected]

Good luck, and if you happen to get the job, DO YOUR JOB, keep your head down build your hours and if you see no future MOVE ON!

P.S. They hire female pilots!

[flyhigh788]

Has anyone made some experience with Meccti? They seem to be recruiting for them.

[McNugget]

Enjoy the indoor malls...

Sounds awesome.

[squarecrow]

@flyhigh788. I remember Meccti were recruiting for an Airline nearby to Kuwait I was with. They were charging 4000 USD as some kind of Agency fee to guys going there for assessment with them. I met 1 person who got out of it and went via another agency.

[pfvspnf]

No alcohol in kuwait except in embassies , salmiyah area not bad but quite expensive . People are very rude and arrogant . It made it to the top 10 for least tourist friendly nations. Political problems are also boiling . Not too long ago many bedhoon were warned not to create trouble .

You really want to be here when the petro cash runs out ?

[ikon757]

"think we are their slaves, like these Indians, phillipinos, whatever."
So what makes you their slave? No job in your country or pay to low so you had to come here.
First clean up your act and the Middle East is not perfect but then if you had a decent job in your own backyard you would not be here.So why don't you tell your country folk how to better run things so you don't need to worry and work in such places?

Totally Agree!

First off all, this isn't an Airline, this is a CIRCUS! This is the CAOS, a big MESS!!!! Never seen this before. They don't know does what "Professionalism" means, this is a playground for the locals kuwaiti's playboys do whatever they want. People on management are lazy, stupid and dumb, 10 secretaries plus the management guys doing nothing, just distracted talking each other about futilities and bothering other people. In the 21st Century they still smoke in the Cockpit in a Commercial flight during flight, on ground, all the time, like crazy!!! And not only the crewing Capt/F.O - they invite every one onboard, even passangers and cabin crew to come to the Cockpit to smoke a little bit during flight and don't care if you are smoker or not (But let's pray for God and our Profet, because i'm an idiot and i'm unable to control myself in absence of cigarette's for few hours). You frequently feel like if you are in a Prank and catch yourself looking for the cameras, many things that happens there are really uncredible.

Maybe this is the Paradise for people from Egypt, Africa, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Iemen, Libya, Argelia, Tunisia, Marroco, India, Phillipines, whatever, but for people from the Civilized World i'm sure this is a big ****, a nightmare, the companie's, the people and living in this **** of country as well: all is ****ty.

They don't comply with the contract terms, even the contract isn't clear, and you'll be blocked in this country in your days off (max 2 days off per month in a row for expats), they think we are their slaves, like these Indians, phillipinos, whatever. The treatment you receive is rude, unclear and you are all the time rushing, doing the same thing for them or other's people job 10 times, because they are lazy, not organized and lose or forget everything, even your Medicals Expiry date, PC, IR checks, tickets and hotel bookings on duty, paymnets, everything, if you don't remind the 10 lazy secretaries. YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY IN YOUR DAYS OFF WITHOUT AN EXIT PERMISSION LETTER FOR IMMIGRATION, which you have to request at least 5 days before to your Fleet Chief Pilot (Subjected to Approval) if they remember that you exist later or don't lose the papers. HARD PAPERWORK FOR EVERYTHING!!! THEY STOPPED ON THE 50'S, 60'S ... Funny to see it, the Company, the whole country and Government Departments runs like this.

Local Pilots (yokels) think they are the best pilots and persons on earth, the owners of Aviation Knowledge, superior and that this is a Real Airline and that we are lucky and should be grateful to be here flying along with them, the best company in the world for them, because they don't have any other References and background on their Aviation Career, flying for other Airlines, their only reference on Aviation is this ****, which they believe it is not only a real Airline, but the best airline in the world (inshallah). I'm all the time laughing inside about this Kuwaitis Arab hicks, yokels, islamic country bumpkins, Islamic Bitches, who thinks they are the best in something, this is a big **** of country, people and company.

They should be banned to fly into Europe and US, isn't safe.

If they keep things in this way, they gonna have a Crash soon there, with this company desperatly trying to grow at any cost, without any criteria and with lot's of incompetent people in every where, all sectors, starting from CEO, Operations VP and Management, without being prepared for this growth.

Don't come to this place unless if you and your family are starving and even on this situation, you'll be happier staying in your country, at home, doing other things.

[tocum]

What's the A320 roster like for the commuting contract 6/2?
How many sectors do they do on a normal day?
Are there many layovers and what's the route like on the A320?

Thx

[aFtaita]

also applied for KU a320 FO one of the requested document is The report of Occupational profile evaluation

Any idea where to get and does the processing stop if you dont provide.
Many thanx

[Provenceparklandk1]

Has anyone known about rule of payment flight hour, If pilot FLY more than 500 hrs on calendar year, Capt will be paid 50kd per hr and FO will be paid 35kd per hr ( assume per 12 months you fly 800hrs - 500 = 300× 50 or 35 kd ....

Please let me know about rightness the term n condition... Thank you

[argentina21]

Any update on the hiring situation at Kuwait Airways?

[airborneksa]

Any update on the hiring situation at Kuwait Airways? https://www.pprune.org/middle-east/600166-kuwait-airways-dishonesty-should-moto.html

[planemad777]

I was told Kuwait Airways do not cover cost of flights or accommodation to attend the assessment, but I know some F/Os who have attend recent screenings in IST and had their accommodation covered for by the agency. V1 Global I think was the name. I've heard they're quite helpful with prep material as well.

[seventhreedriver]

A subtle advert... :-)

[airborneksa]

it was by meccti as i was there

[unitedstatesofcow]

After 18 years of aviation experience and worked for over 5 airlines, this was a suffering that never happened before in life where I am forced to write about what I had experienced. The purpose of this article is to explain the consequences that people face. I wished someone could have posted the shortcomings, so, many would not have wasted time, efforts and resources.



Kuwait Airways



Offer Letter/Contract;

- KAC will only provide you with an offer letter mentioning your total salary, and in 2 small lines family status sponsorship, medical benefits & annual ticket to home for self and family. They will never provide you with actual detailed contract.

They will give you the contract approximately after 1 month when all legal formalities are completed. This will not consist of salary breakdown, any benefits or privileges. It will only give you information regarding your work, leave days and probation time.

The contract will not consist of salary breakdown, in fact after much requests found out KAC embittered on Salary, where allowances were 45% of and basic was 55%. In compare to major Airlines in Middle East this standard is abnormal. The norm is to have more basic salary and less allowances. Due to the fact Overtime and End of service benefits depends on basic salary.



Joining;

- Once offer is signed, you will be asked to provide a security clearance from your home country, for that; only one has to go to capital to attain stamps of foreign affairs but later an attestation will be required from Embassy of Kuwait.

- When in Kuwait, the main step for employment is the passing of medical which is outlandish. No less than 4 different hospital buildings and at least 16 counters/rooms to visit where signatures will be required. Similarly finger print clearance will be prepared again.

The point is, all this is conducted in old fashion, where language is a huge barrier and if you decide to out class your qualification behaviour and not adopt a slave attitude, you will simply be left behind and will not be even looked upon.

- The hiring process at KAC is very vague. No induction programs will be conducted, you are thrown in blindly from the time you arrive. What makes professionals frustrated is that there is no communication between any of Kuwait Airways department. From HR to Operations department, you are lost in never land. Nobody knows the right path, the process which will delay many of your steps towards completing the formalities.



Family;

- The family visa sponsorship and medical benefits column is a complete Falsehood. In fact you are responsible on your own to sponsor, bare the fees, and you will even buy med insurance for yourself & family as well. It will cost u 8 kwd to 12 kwd ($25 to 50 USD) per mnth per person. On the contrary all major carriers in Middle East will assist you with sponsorship, and provide you & family with comprehensive medical coverage.



Pay Day;

- Salary will never be deposited to you in the first month, my salary came after 3 months due to negligence and laziness from finance department which is norm.

Your salary is also not deposited in first month since every expat is required to hold a valid Civil ID. The irony is you cannot apply for Civil ID if you don’t rent an apartment.

- KAC provides Engineers with furniture allowance which is 2000 kwd. It should be given in the first month to settle down, unfortunately even in 3 months it might never arrive so you simply wait and spend your own money to survive. An estimate of at least $2700 USD you must be carrying cash for renting a furnished apartment, transport, food etc.

- Similarly pay process. In Flight Operations Engineering every month employees face deductions from salary because KAC operations department can't figure out the timings since people do shift work. They are facing each month up to 80 kwd per mnth deductions from their salary and then they have to apply & re clear before they end up getting it in next month salary.

- Overtime in Kuwait Airways is another white lie. Many department employees have not seen their overtime pay for the last 9 months or so now and even more. You have no choice to take off and you have to do it because of shortage. In fact their overtime increased so much that it got converted into holidays and when they couldn't take holidays, it elapses.



Accommodation;

- Most importantly you need home to settle down & even prior to your family arrives. No building owner will let you rent an apartment because you are considered a bachelor. It ls extremely difficult to rent an apartment on your own unless your family is with you.

What you can rent is a furnished accommodation which is at least 30% more costly than the regular unfurnished apartment. Be prepared to even change an apartment if you end up renting an apartment in a family area/block. The ministry of Internal affairs will simply deny your Civil ID application as you are in a family zone. Therefore, the simple solution is to attain a costly apartment for example a 2bhk furnished in city that will cost minimum of 550KWD or $1800USD





Exiting Country;

- For non-Gulf Country nationals one major issue is; one would require an exit permit, due to Article 17 Ministry visa. First your leave form with exit permit approval form gets signed by manager, later you hand it over to passport office and they will take a day to issue you the permit, then only you can leave the country to go leisure or emergency, in other words you don't have freedom. If unplanned travel falls over weekend consider re-planning as the exit permit will not be given on weekends.



Airline Benefits;

- Airline privileges, is another nightmare. There is no electronic or e-system to issue you tickets, they do it manually which is long, at first request the travel voucher, then issue the rebate slip and finally issue the ticket after waiting off your shift hours. For staff travel you can’t just leave at your discretion. Although rumour is myidtravel (staff e-ticketing site) is in progress. But how long it will take to actually launch, no one knows.

- Annual leave tickets to home town is another swindler by KAC. For example, you are hired from IAD Washington, KAC will cover your ticket to JFK but you will have to pay surcharges, also JFK to IAD you will have to buy own ticket. Whereas in all other Gulf carriers you are provided with minimum 1 Annual leave ticket to your home with family without a single charge to your pocket.



End of Service Benefit;

- A major hide by KAC is your indemnity. (Indemnity: each year served banks you approx. 20 days to 30 days salary towards your end of Service Benefit). If you serve KAC less than 5 years you will not be paid any indemnity and even you will have to return 2000 kwd furniture allowance. On the contrary all Gulf carriers will pay an employee with indemnity regardless of time you have served.



Resignation/Termination;

In case if you are terminated/resigned you cannot leave the country, prepare to live at least 1 month without pay and pay all expenses from your pocket, in many cases it’s taken 1.5.

To exit the country, one must acquire clearance, which is not only lengthy but a horrendous chapter to end your career for good in Kuwait Airways. For Engineers there are total of 19 internal clearances required and 5 external, which includes Police, Traffic, Phone Company etc.



Summary;

The point is none of this is mentioned in the contract, you will learn all this as you frustrate.

My 3 months of observation in this airline came to one conclusion, no matter how professional you are, KAC does not care your quality of work and the experience you will provide. The level of professionalism can be seen clearly in many cases. Such as several observations have been made where a technical helper has been made aircraft mechanic or tea boy has been made an administrator or a tech has been made a Sr. Engineer, just because they are in close relation to higher arch of department.

They care when you bend down and don't question their integrity. You maybe pissed, angry, frustrated, thrown around like a ball but don't dare to question them. If you stand up for lies, and rights, then they will never like you later.

I have shared my horrifying experience of joining, working and leaving Kuwait airways with the sole purpose of cautioning any industry colleagues who are considering Kuwait airways. My advice… Think Again.

[pfvspnf]

By far the rudest country in the ME

[Merna]

Kim Skywalker

Hello, do you have any idea if Kuwait Airways is still hiring? Also, is the email attached above still valid? I have sent them an email however my email bounced back since their mailbox is full.
Thank you for your help.

[Fawaz]

Hi mirna the correct email is [email protected]
Good luck.

[Fawaz]

Dear guys any idea what are the questions asked in the assessment?
Also what would be the profile for A320 sim check ?
Much appreciate any feedback
safe skies

[Raw data0504]

Dear all,

I just got invited for interview and sim check for the position of A-320 Capt. Post. Any help for the preparation will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Fawaz]

dear Raw please keep me posted if you have received any feedback for the interview
[email protected]

[ironbutt57]

On the contrary all Gulf carriers will pay an employee with indemnity regardless of time you have served.

not accurate, other countries require 3 years service before any is paid, and 5 years service before 100% is paid

[mmorel]

https://www.pprune.org/middle-east/600166-kuwait-airways-dishonesty-should-moto.html

Hi All,

Does anyone know contact information (Email, Phone) for the Kuwait Airways pilot recruitment group?

[Propnwings]

Hi, could you please provide some info regarding the assessment? Btw do they provide tickets and accommodation or not? Normally all the airlines do but there is a post in 2018 saying that Kuwait does not. Thank you.

[Propnwings]

I confirm that Kuwait Airways does not provide tickets or accommodation, you are totally on your own.