To make it worthwhile for experienced wide body crew to leave their current jobs (even in the ME), this airline is going to have to pay a minimum of 15-20% more than Qatar or Emirates, and/or have a commuting contract. Why would one go through all the expense of packing up, selling, breaking leases, and above all, taking a chance on a startup if it wasn't significantly better?
They've already blotted their copybook with ham-fisted adverts, all about what they require from you and nothing about what they offer, all secrets and rumours, confirming they'll be a copy paste of the other two.
Yesterday I spoke to a Saudia engineer, he said first flight won't be for at least a year, anyways.
Herein lies the case in point; it is not only the Pilots they need to attract but selling RUH to their spouse / dependants is going to be next to impossible, especially to those lifestyles available in DXB, AUH, or even DOH.
This is evident with the mass exodus of CX CA’s taking FO positions with EK over that of DEC with QR. Most chose lifestyle.
Now imagine trying to sell the same guys (this is their target audience IMHO A330/A350 typed and experienced crew) 8 days off in the hub of RUH. Impossible.
With no commuting contracts on offer, or not disclosing any information related to remuneration (other than the mere speculation that’s circulating) it does leave one to wonder how they intend to “
compete”…