Originally Posted by
SandeepDuMont
"The employer of choice, for those with no other choice."
This applies primarily to First Officers.
For Captains, it is actually a good deal, as few other airlines hire narrowbody pilots directly onto widebody fleets.
First Officers, it is advisable to consider alternative options. While the current package remains competitive globally, it is gradually becoming less attractive as others improve their terms and benefits. Considering upgrade times are now exceeding 8 years, remaining in the right seat in Doha means missing out on a Captain’s salary elsewhere.
The strategic move is to secure an upgrade and PIC time elsewhere, then join as a DEC.
Joining this airline results in a polarizing experience. it is typically loved or hated.
Officially, this is a non-commuting contract. While some pilots do commute, the toll is evident, and they rarely appear satisfied.
Employees must accept working for an unforgiving, demanding global player that has survived countless crises thanks to deep pockets.
Payment is always on time, regardless of geopolitical or economic volatility.
Personnel are treated as small gears in a vast corporate machine that incentivizes managers to cut costs by rewarding them with a share of the savings. Consequently, there is a constant decline in the quality of layover hotels, crew meals, uniforms, etc.
Improvements occur only when cutbacks begin to negatively impact flight operations.
These fixes are then proudly advertised as "generous," yet they still fail to reach the original standard.
It is a system where compliance is king.
Personnel do only what is instructed or expected. initiative is rarely taken. Decision-making is passed along the chain of command to avoid liability.
Employees are lonely components in a huge machine, expected to operate without issues. otherwise, they face punishment or replacement.
Ultimately, the role is simple: Follow the countless rules, show up on time, fly from A to B without flagging something for the safety department or becoming a news headline, and you maintain a stable job that pays well - with nice perks like world class travel benefits from day one.
There is a simple solution.
1. If you don’t like the sound of going to QR, don’t go. And then stop whining. Or,
2. If you are there and don’t like it - leave. And then stop whining. No one made you accept the job.
Very simple.