I've had two shots at an SFI position at EK in recent times and would loved to have taken the job, but...
The first offer was too little for living in a place like DXB. When you are partially subsidized in a place like the Emirates there is little gain or benefit in maximizing the Tax Free environment because of the '$acrifice$' you will have to make over and above. As an example, in many cases, you end up paying out of your own pocket additional monies for 'suitable' accomodation and that money is going nowhere fast. Might as well toss it in the bin.
No thanks!
The second time round, since there was no change to the original T&C sheet, I decided not to make the trip over for the interview, preferring instead to give it a miss.
Their package for SFIs is 'ridiculous' for today's reality. But, I'd add caution with my remarks, it may be just the job for some so you'll have to make up your own mind if given the opportunity I'm afraid.
The starting pay is(was/may no longer be) less than a new hire F/O. It should have been at least midway between F/O and Capt. They didn't pay overtime and in the same breath, asked if I had a problem working extra hours because they expect to be really busy. (No schitt schmidt?) It didn't sound like over time compensation had either a monetary or days off in lieu pay back.
It seemed to me to be a very nice place and a good place to work. For what it's worth, it's probably much better than any of the current flying jobs on offer back here in Canada but I just don't see how Emirates can sustain it's present course.
I hope this helps.
EK Synthetic Flight Instructors
