DHL Air UK
Hi all,
Looking for some honest insight from anyone currently at DHL Air UK, particularly on the 777, or those who’ve made a similar move.
I’m a current 737 Captain with around 7,000 hours total time and I’m considering a move across to DHL as an FO on the 777.
A few things I’m trying to get a realistic picture of:
General atmosphere
What’s the general mood in the company at the moment?
Are most people broadly happy or is there a lot of underlying dissatisfaction?
Roster and lifestyle
I’ve been told that on the 777 it’s typically one trip per month, occasionally two, with trips up to around 14 days.
Does that reflect reality?
How predictable are the rosters in practice?
Also on rest:
I’ve been told rest is half the preceding duty plus one day, but I’ve also seen plus two days mentioned elsewhere.
What is it in reality?
For context, my current short haul lifestyle is pretty intense in the summer. I’m regularly doing 12 to 14 hour duty days and then going back to work the same day after minimum rest. During 2 to 3 day off blocks I’m often completely wiped out, so I’m trying to work out whether DHL is genuinely an improvement in that regard.
Command timeline
Fully appreciate nothing is guaranteed, but I’ve been told around 5 years to command.
Does that feel realistic at the moment?
Has that been moving quicker or slower recently?
Command process
Is the upgrade process generally considered fair?
Is there a high failure rate or is it more a case of you will get there if you are solid?
Overall move worth it?
I’d be taking a significant pay cut initially to make the move, but long haul is something I’ve always wanted to do.
If anyone here has given up command to join DHL long haul:
Do you regret it?
Has the lifestyle actually been better overall?
Appreciate any honest views.
Thanks