Friendly Pelican
16th November 2007, 12:56
Hello everyone,
I'm looking for some measured input about the comparative strengths of the two UAE carriers. I must say it's fairly easy to get a grasp of their weaknesses. :}
I've watched a number of colleagues head off to the UAE, at least for a look, and have spoken to them when they got back. Their feedback is one side of the coin, but you guys are the experts 'on the ground'.
Why I'm looking at EY and EK is the reluctant recognition that NZ is a backwater and, whilever I remain here, I'm unlikely to benefit greatly from the coming pilot shortage. If I'm to enjoy a retirement, I need to at least investigate the options available to me.
I've put my applications in with EK and EY, and while they get back to me, I thought I'd do some targetted trolling.
It's fairly easy to gather that the troops from both airlines are less than ecstatic about various issues, but in the absence of a flood of exits from either airline, I must conclude that things are better than they are worse.
So, to get things rolling, here are some areas I'd like to know about - feel free to diverge from these, but please remember: I can get the bad side loud and clear already.
Tenor of lifestyle: DXB has been called 'Gotham City' here before, and I'm told AUH is easier living. Discuss.
As an aside, I like to stay fit. Like very. I know about the beach clubs, but what about proper, Western-style gyms with associated physios, personal trainers and the like?
Housing: I'm not keen on highrise living. Adequacy and suitability of villas for 2+2 family.
Quality and Availability of Schools: A hardy perennial, in concert with housing. Are there good schools close to the villa districts?
Time to Command: EY are still taking DECs. Are EK? With the current policies in place, what might be a reasonable expectation for command? (I expect a 733 command later in 08 with NZ, but a lengthy period of penal servitude thereafter.)
Quantum of Salary Package: The root cause of much of the angst here, methinks, and a complex one. (Will the exchange remain fixed? I expect a healthy recovery in the USD after GWB rides off into the sunset.) EY by a nose is my impression, but that's just mine. General or specific answers to subtopics as follows - please be aware that I think I know the answers to some of these, but I'd be glad of the confirmation, consolidation and comparison all in one place:
Monthly salary plus flying pay and transport.
O/N Allowances.
Superannuation.
Credit for non-flying duties.
Medical and dental services.
Education allowance.
Joining and Leaving Assistance.
Mooted Improvements.
Overall Prospects: EY/AUH have been slow out of the blocks and seem wobbly still, while EK/DXB must face the real danger of a bubble developing in their business. Discuss.
As an observation, I note that as pilots we are skilled instinctual managers and like to belong to a team. This means, unfortunately, that we feel we can pass qualified comment on the efforts of those professional managers in our team. I feel much of this comment can be misguided; nevertheless, all input would be appreciated.
I appreciate the difficulties such a wide-ranging question entails, but I hope the answers developed can be useful to me and those who come behind.
Warm regards to all.
I'm looking for some measured input about the comparative strengths of the two UAE carriers. I must say it's fairly easy to get a grasp of their weaknesses. :}
I've watched a number of colleagues head off to the UAE, at least for a look, and have spoken to them when they got back. Their feedback is one side of the coin, but you guys are the experts 'on the ground'.
Why I'm looking at EY and EK is the reluctant recognition that NZ is a backwater and, whilever I remain here, I'm unlikely to benefit greatly from the coming pilot shortage. If I'm to enjoy a retirement, I need to at least investigate the options available to me.
I've put my applications in with EK and EY, and while they get back to me, I thought I'd do some targetted trolling.
It's fairly easy to gather that the troops from both airlines are less than ecstatic about various issues, but in the absence of a flood of exits from either airline, I must conclude that things are better than they are worse.
So, to get things rolling, here are some areas I'd like to know about - feel free to diverge from these, but please remember: I can get the bad side loud and clear already.
Tenor of lifestyle: DXB has been called 'Gotham City' here before, and I'm told AUH is easier living. Discuss.
As an aside, I like to stay fit. Like very. I know about the beach clubs, but what about proper, Western-style gyms with associated physios, personal trainers and the like?
Housing: I'm not keen on highrise living. Adequacy and suitability of villas for 2+2 family.
Quality and Availability of Schools: A hardy perennial, in concert with housing. Are there good schools close to the villa districts?
Time to Command: EY are still taking DECs. Are EK? With the current policies in place, what might be a reasonable expectation for command? (I expect a 733 command later in 08 with NZ, but a lengthy period of penal servitude thereafter.)
Quantum of Salary Package: The root cause of much of the angst here, methinks, and a complex one. (Will the exchange remain fixed? I expect a healthy recovery in the USD after GWB rides off into the sunset.) EY by a nose is my impression, but that's just mine. General or specific answers to subtopics as follows - please be aware that I think I know the answers to some of these, but I'd be glad of the confirmation, consolidation and comparison all in one place:
Monthly salary plus flying pay and transport.
O/N Allowances.
Superannuation.
Credit for non-flying duties.
Medical and dental services.
Education allowance.
Joining and Leaving Assistance.
Mooted Improvements.
Overall Prospects: EY/AUH have been slow out of the blocks and seem wobbly still, while EK/DXB must face the real danger of a bubble developing in their business. Discuss.
As an observation, I note that as pilots we are skilled instinctual managers and like to belong to a team. This means, unfortunately, that we feel we can pass qualified comment on the efforts of those professional managers in our team. I feel much of this comment can be misguided; nevertheless, all input would be appreciated.
I appreciate the difficulties such a wide-ranging question entails, but I hope the answers developed can be useful to me and those who come behind.
Warm regards to all.