Hi Everyone and Happy New Year!
I have approx 7000TT with approx 5500 hrs on A319/320/321 aircraft as a FO. I was employed on contract overseas in S.E. Asia for 10 years until COVID-19. Unfortunately waited +1.5 years on no pay to get back into the air overseas. In the end had to resign and return back to Canada end if 2021 and ended up in a non aviation job to make up for lost income and time.
I managed to renew the IFR and obtain my long overdue Cdn ATPL in 2023. The A320 Rating lapsed after returning back home to Canada sadly.
I am trying to figure out which avenue would be best to take with the airlines. My issue is my age is nearing 50 and have to be realistic as well on how my career in aviation would progress with time remaining until 65 and having a reasonable pension one day. I understand I may end up retiring as an FO which I can expect due age. I was thinking Air Canada as it has Airbus fleet but there are no guarantees and would result in a major move depending on where one ends up being based and whether would even be selected on Airbus or Boeing as company decides what fleets need filling from my understanding.
I live in Central Canada so Westjet could be another option but its Boeing aircraft.
Anyone have any thoughts, experience or advice on transition from Airbus to Boeing at my age. Would it be better to stick with familiarity or attempt to apply to Westjet which a Boeing operator?
Thanks so much for any input. Greatly appreciated.