Who's really the best??

[A320PLT]

Ok,

After 5 yrs it's time to get out of USScareways and find something better. I am wonderering in the UAE who is the best company to work for? Who has the better compensation package? Which one offers the best accomadations? (without a bunch of games mind you) Which one upgrades the fastest? The best place to live out of three??

My credentials are over 6000TT the last five yrs on the A320

EK?? EY?? or GulfAir??

Thanks
A320PLT

[ennui]

Oh definately Gulf Air based out of Al Ain. They actually give preference to geographically accomplished pilots from anywhere.

You will be very welcome.

[A320PLT]

Thanks! How is their pay compared to EK and EY? What about housing for married with one 8yr old??

Thanks again

A320PLT

[fractional]

A320PLT, I don't think ennui is telling the truth. You better research... Difficult call. It depends what your plan is. You must have one and (again) research. There is plenty of stuff about all 4 (EK, QR, EY and GF).

[ennui]

Oh just too nice...........could have let it go just a bit further:)

[A320PLT]

Thanks again for the replies. I guess I should be a little clearer. There is a plan in mind. I don't mind flying since it is what I choose as a profession! The plan as I see it is multi level. First I would like to do some serious international flying and get paid to do it. I would like to see a captain upgrade before a few years before I turn 50, currently 41. I would like for my youngest child to grow up learning from a very diverse multi cultural background.

Now have said that I am still looking for information on which carriers would offer the very best of what I have listed above.

Now I do realize that EK is well established and has the biggest a/c order and by the looks of things loads of international opportunities but what about time to command?

EY seems like a new carrier with lots of potential for rapid advancement and a little better pay but how about housing and strong international flying??

Gulf Air seems to have been around for a bit as well and I did have a friend of mine that used to work there and liked it but left to go back to American. He has sinced decided to leave american for EY and suggests I do the same. He was on the 767 at Gulf and was told that they were cutting back but it appears that has all changed now. I still would like to know about their compensation and accomidations?

Thanks again for any info that anyone can offer.

A320PLT

[AA717driver]

Check your PM's.

[whatzmyname]

At the moment Emirates. They have their dramas but not as much as the other carriers.

[neh13]

EK . People say Bahrain is a good place for families, but I disagree. The only American School worth its credentials, was the DODs school, and it is inconvenient and expensive. There is a total lack of "family activities". Good luck finding a park or green anything. Dubai isn't "the end all be all", but there is a great American (and other) communities, where your 8 year old will have friends. There are a ton of activities for that age group and the schools are good. ASD (American School of Dubai) is particularly good (if you are looking for the US curriculum). I don't know much about EY, but I would be concerned about their housing issues. It is hard enough making a move overseas ... then you realize you are "homeless". It is best if you can put your "roots down" quickly, so that your family can get settled.

[Qatari515]

Why is it that nobody mentions Qatar Airways?

In all honesty guys, after reading all the horrorstories I do think qr is no worse than EK/EY or GF.:\

[fractional]

EMIRATES
Let Etihad improve the housing project (if there is one). Gulf Air could be a springboard for the area... It isn't bad. Just leave Qatar where it is with what they have.

[Goat Liner]

Emirates
Etihad
Gulf Air

Qatar Airways

...In that order. Conditions and quality of life have been deteriorating everywhere in the sandpit but talking with friends in all these airlines EK is the one to go for. Why anyone, particularly FO's, would join QR baffles me since you are looking at twice the time to upgrade compared to EK/EY.

[A320PLT]

When you say "conditions are deteriorating" what does that really mean? You can PM me if you like!! I have heard some really good things about UAE. Housing and schools are my top concern as I do have an 8yrold. Being able to get the Dallas Cowboys is also a must, it would almost be a deal breaker without it:ok:

[TangoUniform]

Then your deal is broken, unless you have slingbox for your computer. Look it up on the internet. Very interesting. But who in their right mind would care to watch the cowgirls, who haven't won a playoff game since, when?

IMHO when people say conditions are deteriorating, they perhaps mean real dollar buying power, traffic for living conditions and overall growing pains for the airlines. But then again, what US airline has not had deteriorating conditions?

[A320PLT]

Well I can see we're never going to be friends, talking about my Cowboys like that. Look at IND they should not have gone out like they did either!!

I will look into the slingbox when I get home tonight.

Thanks for the reply.

A320

[Rule3]

Perhaps if Tony Rom'e'o had concentrated on Football during the Playoffs, they may have won. Watched the Superbowl live on Fox Sports. During the season they show the pregame show and 1 selected game live on Sunday evening UAE time.

[A320PLT]

On no not another one! Com'on Rule3 the man had some personal time he needed, we all do. I think that this will be rectified in 08 and we should see much better! BTW one select game on sunday night?? Can't do that looks like slingbox pro for me gotta have HD too...

[AA717driver]

Already eatin' into that first year pay, A320... :E TC

[yada.yada.yada]

Forget slingbox. Picture quality sux.