Originally Posted by
Seosan
You think all the UAE nationals are up in arms because they let outsiders in? EK still one of the best paid gigs around if you can face it.
Every single industry in the UK allows foreign nationals to obtain sponsorship if they have the right skills and salary, but it’s quite a lot of effort for the companies involved to do, so most are put off from doing so.
To keep it Virgin relevant, BALPA’s crusade at the moment is for more days off, longer rest periods and more pilots operating on longer flights, which can all be achieved much easier in an expanding airline with more pilots in the company. Even BA (supposedly the be all and end all of British aviation) is struggling to find qualified pilots to fill their ranks, so outside of your xenophobia you can’t blame them for looking down a different path to fill the spots. Take it up with the government.
Considering you mention the UAE would you support a special allowance for British pilots and a different pension scheme as well as other benefits not available to pilots coming on a work visa? Unless it’s changed since I was there that is what they get to keep them happy. Opening up work visas is to the detriment of British pilots and should be challenged by BALPA.