Hi, firstly I'm not wanting to start a debate on the merits of going to Emirates, I've already been successful but have to indicate a preference for Boeing or Airbus course although its not guaranteed there is some airbus availability next year. Whether or not there are airbus courses at the times they are saying there will be is irrelevant, as that will make the decision for me!
Aside from the obvious advantages of the 777 and the standard "go for the triple 7" argument, I'm well aware of these advantages, however I was wondering about the airbus for the following reasons.
- More nights in my own bed/with family in DXB, I don't mind turnarounds in present short haul operation, and would imagine this would be less boring than ULR although more tiring probably.
- Having seen several junior 330 rosters, they aren't actually as bad as people make out. About half the month in DXB, rest made up of 24 hour trips to the likes of UK/Europe. Hours and days off weren't far away from 777 roster, about 3 days off less in the months I viewed. However they do have some fairly grim night turnarounds etc but this certainly isn't every other day like I got the impression it was. Is there more chance of getting the bids you want on airbus with it being a smaller fleet?
- 2/2.5 years to A380 FO - Already we see the 380 taking the "best" routes, and this can only but continue. LHR going up to 3x 380 services a day and rumoured more for the olympics. A380 routes are potentially "better" than the 777 routes that makes it an attractive fleet as well as an expanding fleet that should get better. With the size/range of the aircraft it should be a long haul/ULR only aircraft, therefore be almost guaranteed the best routes.
- Being from the UK and having only Boeing time, but most operators are airbus, would an airbus rating make it easier to get a job back in the UK/Europe if it either doesn't work out after 3 years, or longer to come back and have a possible DEC job having airbus time? Although I'm unsure at present how useful a 330 or 380 type rating would be to go to 320. Having both airbus and boeing experience on the CV can't be a bad thing down the line career wise.
- "Dying fleet" therefore possible opportunity to go to 350 (if it ever comes!) or 380, or even I understand some asked if they want to go to 777. Therefore gaining another type rating/experience.
- Time to command doesn't seem to be much more than 777 (330-340-380-330 Command seems to be the route at present taking 4-4.5 years?)
- Tray table for my laptop (I joke!)
Sorry for the questions/brain dump, but its proving quite difficult to make the decision!
I'd appreciate info from those who actually work in EK on airbus, and know first hand rather than those on the 777 who think their fleet is the best!
Last edited by speedbirdhopeful1; 1st Dec 2011 at 11:35.
For the purposes of the discussion, airbus is available...
If it wasn't, how else will they crew the arriving 380/350 aircraft? Unless a 777-380 progression opens up in the future, they will still need pilots on the bus in some shape or form.
Having flown both for EK from the aircraft point of view I would chose Airbus anytime over the Boeing. For the lifestyle I'd stick with the 777 for the time being. But that is true for now. And what will be in a year or two, your guess is as good as mine or anybody else's. What is a fact today might not be true tomorrow as goalposts are being shifted on company's discretion. Direct UPG A380, transfer 777-380, not taking delivery of A350, DECs... you name it. Nothing in the books yet (AKAIK) but all possible. I would go for what is good for you in the short term rather than doing strategical long term planning. Too many variables. Not saying one is better then the other. All depends on your personal preferences. I, for myself don't like night turns and don't mind ULRs others hate the long flights and rather do more turns. We all end up being more or less tired. Good luck with the choice!
Seriously, the 330 rosters are very hard work. The 380 has potential, but won't be realised for some time. No direct upgrades on 380 at present. 777 will still have lots of good destinations and comparatively few nasty night turns.
As said above - too many variables in the medium term (which around here means in 6 months), so go with what you think in the short term. You are fortunately to even be given a chance to express a preference!
Thanks for all the replies, useful to get a bit more inside info.
And yes, millerscourt, I applied to BA along with almost every other pilot in the UK!! Not sure if I'm still hopeful or not.. depends how Emirates works out!
It seems the standard definition of better lifestyle is more days off, although at the expense of more days away in a row/overnights per month I assume? If anyone can PM me even a rough idea of their roster or indicate what the worst case scenario month could be on the 330 fleet that would be a good start.
I'm keen to know if its fact or fiction that having an airbus rating is more useful in Europe thinking beyond Emirates or if it doesn't work out?
sittingidly- What a load of hyperbole. Are you saying that only airbus families break up? Purlease!
Why are you ignoring the fact that the 380 fleet is growing? Yes it may mean a delay for command in the short term, but you know full well that right to left on the 380 is inevitable.
So you do need to put some things into perspective. I recall the 310 boys loving life on that dying fleet and refusing to go to the 777 til there was no choice.
No doubt that the airbus boys have the rougher end of the stick now. No doubt the 380 boys have the best job here at Emirates. (Check out any 380 pilots roster)
In the long run - the 350-900s will be here- to add another dimension.
sittingidly, I choosed and requested the airbus fleet !
Why? because if things are not going as planned here and can go somewhere else with a magic type rating, you can find more jobs being on the bus than on 777.
Check out how many 380 are coming, at least 1 a month and how many 330/340 are going out, that means it would take 2 years to fly the whale.
I was flying in europe before and even the 330 rosters are luxury from what I was doing before!
If you haven't the guts to post it publicly, even whilst hiding behind your pseudonym, then just don't bother. We all know who you are anyhow, Mr USA 777 driver.
We are sick of your constant dribble, and racism. If this was so bad, what are YOU still doing here. It's guys like you that make our time at work miserable; it starts at the Briefing, bus ride, x hours aloft, another bus ride, and even at the bar later (if we turn up to hear more). Please leave, we'll all help you with your resume.
Oh dear, is this sort of thing that I have to look forward to?! I'm hoping the vast majority of those flying out there will be decent, normal people - hopefully not expecting too much
The boeing is a little darker and a little more serious than the small Bus fleet. I'm on the 330 and If you call 60 hours per month hard work then look elsewhere!
It's all pretty chilled but make sure your life will fit out here. Those who did not think that through seem to suffer the most. Those that chose to be out here appear to have a far better time.
Don't go chasing fleets either as your time will come if your plan is longer than 3 years whichever one you go onto.
Some of what Aussie 380 says is true, mainly the bonus/profit share point!!!
From experience, you probably won't have a choice anyway. You can request a fleet but ultimately, you will be allocated a course (Bus or Boeing) depending on which fleet needs guys at that particular time. EK is full of people who were Boeing before and were given the Bus, and visa versa.
Thanks for your helpful comment fatbus, but if you read my post I was actually asking a specific question on fleets, I've read just about every other thread on EK. Hopefully I'm a real enough adult to understand everything else..
