L3 Wizz Air Integrated ATPL - worth it or not? chances of securing UK base?
Hi all, I was wondering if anyone else has been considering the Wizz Air integrated ATPL at L3? I’m in my early 30s, considering a career change from Finance to do something more enjoyable!
Pros are that Wizz are a FTSE 250 company, seem to be expanding with more Airbuses on order, more Western European destinations, increased presence at LTN with new terminal etc. which make it more attractive if you want to try and secure a base in or near the UK
My hesitations are 1) L3 as a ATO has had known cadet backlog issues over past few years due to instructor shortages and can’t be sure training will stick to schedule 2) Cost - other ATOs with links to Wizz in Europe offer better value such as BAA training, what’s the benefit of paying nearly double to go with L3? 3) salary - is Wizz’s FO pay as competitive as likes of EasyJet? does it depend on base location? If I’m going to give up a relatively stable, alright paying office job and put up 122,800k EUR to train need some security that FO salary will help pay that back over time. 4) likelihood of being placed at a UK base (currently have presence at LTN, LGW, EDI amongst few others) are most newbies placed at Budapest/other Central European bases and it’s a case of trying to get on a transfer list to the UK with seniority? 5) current market conditions - UK outlook post Brexit, coronavirus, other airlines going bust etc slowing down cadet pilot demand in UK and Europe.
Appreciate any advice anyone may have, thanks