2017 for Kenya Airways

[254HEAVY]

2017 could be the year Kenya Airways start showing some "pride of Africa" glory. However it all depends on who will be the new CEO, HR Director and Director of Flights operations and Director of corporate quality plus the other managerial positions to be filled in.

The HR Director and Director of Flights operations positions are vital as these will see the start of hiring pilots especially on the narrow bodies aircraft were they are currently having a huge shortage of pilots with more and more pilots leaving every month heading Middle East.

Also towards end of 2017 to mid 2018 or even earlier all the "wet leased" aircraft's could potentially be returning back to Kenya Airways Hangers due to the carrier starting to fly to North and South America. The Last FAA JKIA safety audit come out with nothing outstanding.

All in All the local pilots should have something to look forward to in 2017 with increased employment all round the region.

[4runner]

I hope so. A lot of potential if left alone. Even more important, it's an outstanding group of guys(and girls!) at KQ.

[LADAN 2ALPHA]

"Huge shortage of pilots" is a fallacy. The last time I checked there was no shortage of pilots at the carrier. In fact, they were a little in excess for the current fleet, route network and the improved productivity the carrier targeted. They would have right sized it anyway with the Operation pride. The pilots leaving just solves the right sizing issue. Unless of course more leave, which is highly unlikely because most of those that wanted to jump ship have already done so. But for any reason if they continue to do so then potentially there will be a shortage just like what happened to the technical department.

The Engineers were to be right-sized too until they started to bail! The numbers of those bailing grew fast that the acute shortage was created.
I wouldn't bank on any expansion or any new routes outside of Africa in 2017. The current plan is to focus on Africa, in short, make the airline a leaner regional airline with concentration within the African market.
I don't see the carrier opening routes to the Americas or to any other Out-Of-Africa destinations any time soon...but for improvement in the carrier's operations and financial standing? Maybe!

[254HEAVY]

For the narrow body A\c's yes there is shortage and YES more are leaving and some are just waiting for their joining dates for the M.E carriers before handing in their resignation letters.

[benalwa]

Yeah, I noted some activity on their recruitment portal in regards to hiring. So strike 1 for 254heavy. More info will be appreciated.

[254HEAVY]

More than happy to when I get something concrete worth sharing. I Hope others even those currently working for the carrier will be generous to share some information too.

benalwa.....Did you notice this at the bottom of the job ad ...."Potentially the next processing of the pilot applications will commence in June 2016" yet they job posting closes end Feb 2017. Talk about a bad copy paste job!

Btw I don't think ab Initio training will be coming back any time sooner!

[254HEAVY]

And those who had applied previous will need to reapply again unless told otherwise.

[benalwa]

I gather they eventually took on some ab-initio guys who had there training suspended initially. But in regards to future ab-initio hiring, maybe 2019 thereabout. @254heavy, yeah i noted the bizarre dating, and also you will be lucky if you complete the application online. The site keeps on returning errors.

[swiftfront]

254 HEAVY, I also noticed that and l was like really. well l applied and did everything needed but l wish someone can let them know there is an typo error because this may confuse a lot of people..

For those experienced enough, let us know since the job posting is closing in feb 2017 will guys be called before Feb or after Feb, am abit curious...also how many more pilots do they need as it opened this month and will close in Feb then again open in June, is kq really short of pilots?

[254HEAVY]

ab-initio guys are always guaranteed a spot unless the trainee messes up then their contract gets thrown away!

Call in's depends on how competitive the applicant is. TR, ATPL, Military...etc could be as early as the festive season ends hoping the HR department is all sorted.

FY don't forget it's Kenya Airways and it's Kenya! So patience is an Oscar!

[254HEAVY]

Mods could you please merge this thread with...."Direct Entry Pilots for KQ thread" given that now the topic has shifted into the upcoming recruitment.

[swiftfront]

Thanks 254 for the insight, now am somehow in the loop. whoever is in charge of merging the threads please do so. This will enable me to be in the loop of whats happening as l just sent my application for the position.

Also l have a question on hours? since minimum hours are 250 hours, how lucky could someone with 1000 be shortlisted. If its fair and just, I would think there is a margin because it might be weird to be in the same exam setting with someone with 1000 hours and you have 250 hours..... just a though! those who have some lil insight on this, kindly shed a light

[benalwa]

@swift front. From history, the Direct entry battery of tests consists of aptitude, psychometric, Psycho-motor and Flight test( on the 737 simulator)

For flight test the DEC sim screen might comprise of a slightly more demanding detail especially if they have flown jets and especially so if 73NG.

For Direct entry FO with ATPL and 2500hrs they are exempt from the aptitude test. So experienced Direct entry FO with ATPL (minima being 2500hrs of experience no matter which aicraft type) will start with Psychometrics then Psychomotor and sim screen at the end. Eventually you will step in for the oral interview which is just a mere formality.
The medical is scheduled as late as possible to allow for the long lead before joining (if successful) so that it does not expire and has to be re-done(at kenya airways expense of course). I stand to be corrected though.

So i bet with 1000 hours you will still go through the process just like a guy with 250hrs. KQ has always tried to be fair to the applicants. Hope this helps.

[swiftfront]

Thanks benalwa! the clarity is crystal clear.

So is it true to say that, all the applicants that have applied and have met all the minimum requirements regardless of the number of applicants will be shortlisted. Then they will use the battery of tests to eliminate guys until the final stage.

Can l assume that and well if this is the case, what happens if majority of the applicants pass all the battery tests, which criteria will they use because am assuming if they need 50 pilots and 100 pass, what next..? just a thought process.

by the way guys do not hesitate to be part of this forum or feel uncompeled to contribute, its an open forum.

[benalwa]

All applicants that have met DE requirements have always been called. Though sometimes its done in batches, qualifications a consideration.( like 254 heavy said).

In regards to excessive numbers, I reckon they would just raise the cutoff mark should such a scenario occur, especially in the final stages of the interview e.g simulator. But again its not that easy to pass all this tests.

[swiftfront]

Nice to know this swift information. thanks benalwa! now l guess its the waiting game....
I really hope this time things will run smoothly..... like expediently! like if its calling they should just call even if its as early as January, we get tested and we move on. Those who go through..go through and those who don't! step aside and give room for others...

Is there a sceneo that has ever occurred where guys are called or emailed before the closing date? has this ever occured?

my understanding is if really there is a shortage like what everyone is speculating then this process shouldn't take like a year. am basin this on the guys who went through this process! they were getting done just the battery tests after like after a year. If this is the case what happens to the guys who are waiting to apply in June?

If truly its a new year,and kq is assuring alot of change this 2017 lets see at least some change. KQ is in the long run the pride of Africa....let them roar change in 2017

[benalwa]

The June processing is a typo on their site. If there is a shortage indeed then the process will be expedited. We pray they hire the right people for the remaining management slots.

[swiftfront]

O yes benalwa, that is indeed a huge factor. Kq needs to up the game a knotch or two because as our African carrier their reputation is at stake. Any ideas who will take up the management slots? The sooner they sort this out the sooner this process may begin.

my prayer is that KQ should step up significantly this year as in at the start of this tread, they promised jobs and other things so they should really keep their word because if not our regional and national carrier may be in trouble.

btw Happy new year, I would wish the rest of the people in the group but it looks like its just me and you here...

Anyway is there a chance guys have ever been called before the closing date? has this ever occurred?

[4runner]

Sometimes the problem with national airlines is that they are jobs programs for regional issues while competing on a global stage. Not sure if KQ fits this "business model", but many an otherwise promising airline has succumbed to capitalism. It's happening to SAA as we speak.

[254HEAVY]

From getting an interview call to congrats call then ground school,MCC, TR, Base & Line training.........etc you will be very very lucky if all this gets done in 1 year! then the endless SO training while being paid close to nothing!

Don't be too naive to forget the reality of things!

[swiftfront]

Thanks 4runner, you hit the nail on the head and lets see if things will change in our national carrier. What l know and believe is they have not been managed very well in the few couple of years and now they are trying to organize themselves. I guess will just have to sit and observe this 2017

@254HEAVY, welcome back! you have been MIA for sometime. Its not that am being naive but my argument is if they need pilots then l see no need for them to be that slow in the whole process. The process am talking about is the interview process alone.
when it comes to training, I see no rush to train guys so fast. Am assuming they have a curriculum to follow and the guys who will be part of this training should get the best out of it. There is really no rush, let them train guys at their pace. At the end of the day they know whats best when it comes to training pilots.

[benalwa]

Hi guys. I gather the closure of applications is in ten days though the site says otherwise. This is from an internal email KQ sent to the current staff holding other positions, that are applying for DE Pilot position. You also need to make sure that you did do the assessment on their recruitment portal. All the best guys.

[swiftfront]

hi benalwa, I applied and my application is active. However l did not see any assessment on their recruitment. My assessment page is empty. please if you can update me on this issue asap! thanks

[benalwa]

You want to log into your account, go on the said active application. Click on application details and the 'application assessment' is on the top right.

[swiftfront]

Thanks Benalwa, got it! however l clicked on retake assessment and l did the questions but l didnot do the questions before so why did it tell me retake assessment. that my friend was abit wierd.

Also does it matter if l took the assessment way after l applied for the job. I applied in Dec but did the assessment yesterday. should it have been done immediately after applying?

[benalwa]

@swiftfront - you got mail

[swiftfront]

@Benalwa- you also got mail

[swiftfront]

Okay so guys, I just want to say for those who have applied for the current pilot position to keep people updated. As much as its a race to get in but lets try and help each other by keeping everyone in the loop.

For those who have applied all the best and like what benalwa said make sure you do the assessment. I personally will do my best to communicate.

[Female Capi]

Hi guys,
How is this exercise going for the ones who applied for direct entry, has anyone been called for interviews?

[jameselevun]

Hi,
Yes so far one group did the aptitude on Tuesday the other is doing today.

[Female Capi]

@james Thank for the infor

[kasa]

which aptitude? ab initio or DE which one

[254HEAVY]

US TODAY- US Department of Transportation has granted the carrier exemption authority and, tentatively, a Foreign Air Carrier Permit. Things are shaping up!

[254HEAVY]

So with the carrier getting the tick of approval from DOT last week, it would be interesting to see which USA city the carrier will commence it's maiden flight to. More likely the carrier will go with Delta Air Lines as its' Skyteam code sharing partner due to their historical partnership.

Now for the carrier to fully exploit their capacities on this code sharing, they will need to fly to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta, Delta largest hub then Delta will feed onwards. This will give the carrier leverage on the synergies and partnership with access to almost All Delta Air Lines Americans routes.

HOWEVER if the carrier decides to fly to JFK (As per rumours) then Delta may want to consult joint venture partner Air France-KLM on its opinion, as it impacts their JV’s financial performance.

Note the key word.....consult Air France-KLM.........well we all know which direction that will head to! I seriously hope the carrier doesnt stuff this one up as i said before the ability of flying NON STOP to a USA city is a golden lottery ticket handed to them and bring the bloody T7's back! Can't fly a 787 to America (Even if it has the range)!

[Brat]

Not certain but think Delta may be the key to the USA.

[254HEAVY]

No longer a rumour but a fact now. From Oct this year the carrier will be flying directly to JFK! Tickets go on sale Thursday 01/11/18! Very bold for the carrier to go solo without the other JV partners. Not sure if it’s a good thing given that they haven’t got all the paper work sorted.

The other JV partners can make loud noises which inturn hurts K.A inaugural flight with more delays. Furthermore I don’t think K.A will go solo for a long time. Most likely by Oct the other JV partners would have sort it out. I can only hope they not gonna force a sore deal to K.A due to loss of revenue in their balance sheet mainly KLM/AirFrance.

So 15hrs flight time to JFK so that means 4 pilots. 3 will be a bit of a stretch! My question is do they have enough pilots, airframes, PAX (Cargo yes) ready for the route. I can only hope they will start bringing back the T7’s. Ferrying 234 pax to America on a 15hr journey wouldn’t cut the mustard!

Bear in mind Rwandair are also looking to commence Kigali-JFK by end of this year! Rumours has it they are working on acquiring A350-900 to be used for the route.

[4runner]

The 777’s are already in service with another airline. I don’t remember seeing any left in Mombasa, but the carrier that purchased the 777’s are very happy with them. They were superbly maintained.

[Alphatangotango]

You really have no idea what you're talking about!

[4runner]

But I do! There are 3 ex KQ 777’s that are now N registered. I know these planes very very well.

[254HEAVY]

Correct for the three T7-200's but one is still stored (5Y-KQS). As for the T7-300's all are leased to TY but K.A is making a loss out the leases anyways. Not sure about the 2 787 to Oman. That wet lease agreement was BAD!

What's interesting is how the carrier will have sufficient crew by Oct for the aircraft to operate at 100%! Also the turnaround (6hrs) is gonna be tight given that its gonna be Winter Ops and JFK knows how to put up a show during winter! Same with the cabin crew and actually you will need 20 and not 12! Some needs to check the definition of "ultra long haul flight". :ugh:

[italian stallion]

Anyone have an email address for recruitment, been on the website and keep getting blocked.
Thanks

[Alphatangotango]

But I do! There are 3 ex KQ 777’s that are now N registered. I know these planes very very well.
Sorry, was responding to @254HEAVY!

[Alphatangotango]

254HEAVY

It's amusing how you seem to know 'everything' about present and future KQ ops!

[254HEAVY]

and your point is? and NO am not god to know the future!

[254HEAVY]

At least someone is thinking straight at the Head office. I hope they will now change the aircraft to a T7 for the JFK trips . It can easily do the 7,354 Miles non stop trip. CX uses the same aircraft for their 8,072 Miles non stop trip!
They need also to change the Mumbai trips to a 787 badly! The 737's are a nutter on this trip!

[LADAN 2ALPHA]

At least someone is thinking straight at the Head office. I hope they will now change the aircraft to a T7 for the JFK trips . It can easily do the 7,354 Miles non stop trip. CX uses the same aircraft for their 8,072 Miles non stop trip!
They need also to change the Mumbai trips to a 787 badly! The 737's are a nutter on this trip!
I believe the B787 is better suited for JKF, performance-wise out of Nairobi, than the B773...or what do you think?

[4runner]

I believe the B787 is better suited for JKF, performance-wise out of Nairobi, than the B773...or what do you think?

Over 5000’ field elevation, near the equator and flying westbound...I can run the numbers next time in at work. A 772 could do it, a -3 I don’t know. VC-10’s were built for this stuff.

[LADAN 2ALPHA]

Over 5000’ field elevation, near the equator and flying westbound...I can run the numbers next time in at work. A 772 could do it, a -3 I don’t know. VC-10’s were built for this stuff.
Yes please run them! I'm really interested in knowing...

[Turbokite]

The 77W could definitely do it. Although even on a good day the RTOW would be restricted to 10 tonnes below the MTOW ex NBO.

Assuming there isn't alot of cargo in the hold destined for JFK, and mainly just pax and their baggage then the aircraft should be able to take off from Jomo for a direct flight to the U.S.

I have no idea about the numbers on the 788 but i strongly suspect the 77W has better performance and range.