air bubba,
EK does have a preferential bidding system, guaranteed days off,
plus many other benefits that you may not be aware of.
yes, the salary may seems low but, the entire salary is completely tax free plus company provided accomdation anything from a 3 bedroom apartment to a 3 or 4 bedroom villa with electricity and water paid for.
777 has 5 cargo fire extinguishing system. The first 2 are rapid dump system while other 3 dumps at a reduced rates. If the fire was out, i think there should be enough time to have a chat with ops so that a better outcome can be achieved.
just my .02 cent