I agree with you Bav......It will take time and effort to settle down, but once that is behind you it will be okay! I have seen it with my brother-in-law. He has been their for nearly 3 1/2 years and they've adjusted quite well and living better that what they had before. As we speak, he is upgrading right now to Captain on Boeing 777. I believe it is how you take it! It will not be like the States but it takes time to adjust and know your way around. Anywhere you go, their are those who just look at the cup half empty!!!!!
It is a common misconception that the accommodation, temporary or otherwise, is "free". It isn't. If you move out of company accommodation you get a "utility allowance" of about 150,000 Dhs (US$40,900) for an F/O (I think), about 180,000 Dhs for a Captain. That is the cost of your "free" accommodation and is worth bearing in mind if you end up in a disintegrating two bedroom flat in Deira. The permanent accommodation would cost you way, way more than 200,000 Dhs in the open market so it is a very good deal. But it is not free.
I realize that not everything will be quite as glamorous as it is has been marketed.
BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
I have a small device attached to my computer that measures understatement and it just exploded!!
BWAHAHAHAHAH!!! omigod that is funny! *wipes tears from eyes*
Dubai is the World Capital of bullshit, the absolute only area it excels in is self-promotion. Yes, there is opportunity, and yes, there is even some money to be made. But unless you come from somewhere like SA where you've gotten tired of having a gun stuck in your face, or Zim where you've had your property stolen and your family killed, I wouldn't get too anticipatory about all the "culture" you're going to drink in...DXB is where culture goes to die, where even the celebration of crass is cynical, where Las Vegas looks tasteful and wholesome by comparison. Buying a Guggenheim and a Louvre (if that even happens now) is not "culture". Malls are not "culture". Greed, selfishness and lies are, I suppose, but I'm guessing that's not what you're looking forward to?
I have to admit "where culture goes to die" is pretty funny but going back to the thread, has anyone in the pool heard anything? I interviewed end of June and it's been quiet. Not that it doesn't surprise me with the world economy....
Last edited by IDbackcountry : 21st December 2008 at 22:46.
I believe reading something a week ago, about EK retaking the hiring as of Feb 2009. People in the holding pool should just be patient. The Chairman voiced his views as well, saying that EK will continue with the expansion, despite the global economic turmoil.
Living in Dubai, driving around, dealing with the different nationalities, requires a great deal of patience and common sense.
A gentle heads-up for the more experienced in the pool, the current time for command is 3 years and 4 months, and is expected to increase due to the reduced intake next year, and the slow pace of people leaving due to the world situation.
Therefore even if you do meet the Accelerated Command requirements, you are unlikely to get a command any earlier than your coursemates. Quite a few of us were told that we meet the AC requirements, and should expect commands within 18-24 months, but with so little movement we can now expect command at about 48 months.
Remember, when you join, there are over 1200 First Officers ahead of you on the Seniority List. Intakes were planned at 450-550 pilots per year at the beginning of this year, now next year's intake is apparently planned at 150.
If you are out of work, or soon about to be, then this is still a good place. But if your job is secure, think once again if the major upheaval for you, and more importantly, your family is worth it.
Good luck, I hope things move quickly for all of you in the pool (and those trying to get in!!)
I just received notification of an interview in Feb. Anyone else?? Also, any current pilots with accurate lifestyle/working conditions update? What are EK's plans for the future? I'm being furloughed in Feb, and so far this looks like the only opportunity. Any info would be greatly appreciated...
which kind of airplane are you rated for at the moment?
whend did you aplied?
how long didi you wait before hearing something from ek?
thank you very much
Job security? Well, I just got downgraded to an F/O position after 4 years as a Captain at an airline here in the US. Huge pay cut and kids are almost ready for preschool. Seeing EK's benefits, I just can't turn my back and walk away. In addition, tax free income and a world class airline, atleast comparing with any airline in the States.
Last edited by Mr.Shaft : 23rd December 2008 at 02:40.
If your being downgraded, why will they need to interview/hire in the coming year? Aside from housing, schools, and tax free income. what are the other benefits that weigh into the equation? What is the current housing situation; seems like that is a continual complaint?
Anti skid......I'm here in the States with a major airline.....I actually interviewed with EK and I'm currently placed in hiring pool. We were told to expect a course date before the end of the year.
I think the fine print on the course dates at Emirates probably read + or - the end of the year. Based on what some of the gents who work for Emirates say on this site, I think Emirates may do whatever they want not unlike most airlines. So, I am sure it's coming for you guys and gals. But don't be disappointment if it doesn't exactly come before Dec 31st.
FWIW, I got re-invited for early February interview (was scheduled in September, all interviews xld at the time). I'm currently on the 767/757 but have also got a lot of hours on the A320/A319. Currently at a legacy, 9,500 TT, 1,000 PIC (727), applied for an FO position.
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