Hi all,
I'm flying for a European airline on the A330 (+ A320 still in my license) with about 3000h TT, (1200h A320 and 500h A330). I applied for KLM in 2025 and got a job offer recently. Even got to choose the fleet (737, A320, Embraer or even as SO on the A330). Not being Dutch, I decided that learning a new language and culture is hard enough so I opted for the A320 because it is well known to me and I did not want to sit in second row again without doing any landings as SO on the A330.
The terms (salary, peace of mind with a company too big to fail, upgrade opportunities, loss of license, free commuting - all better than at my current company...) seem just too good to say no to the KLM offer but I still have some concerns:
1. Right now I am flying longhaul on a great network with great people (speaking the same language), amazing destinations and a modern fleet. Still very fresh on the A330 (7 months) but I absolutely love the lifestyle and seeing the world. Thats why I became a pilot... From what I have heard it takes around 10 years to get back to longhaul at KLM. Is that true? I heard rumors that KLM might introduce MFF with the introduction of the A350. Did you hear about that? Could this be an option to get back to longhaul sooner?
2. I am not planning to relocate. As KLM offers free commuting, I would probably keep my house and stay where I am. 1 hour flight or 4 hour commute by car. But is shorthaul at KLM even commutable? Or are there a lot of single-day-trips? Especially on a big airport like AMS with long ways?
3. Can anyone give a hint where to learn Dutch very fast and efficiently to native speaker level? Using Duolingo for half a year now but this covers only basics. Not speaking the language and not feeling "home" is one of my biggest concerns. I heard the "Dutchies" are very welcoming, friendly and fun to work with. I think to fully integrate into the environment in the cockpit but also when being on a layover etc. you need to speak the language ASAP.
4. Another big concern is that I would have to quite my job very soon (3 months notice period) but KLM will only send a contract 2 weeks before training. What if something silly happens in the meantime in terms of war or whatever and I have no job at all because KLM decides to cancel training and my old Company would not take me back either after leaving? Also, in times of all the political craziness around the world - is it a good idea to leave a company with 3,5 years of seniority and about 90 FO's behind me on the list to start again from the end of the list at KLM?
And before you ask - here is why I even think about changing companies and leaving a job I actually love and appreciate:
- Salary is more on the lower end of payscales in Europe
- Limited Upgrade options in the future if only little to no expansion (only 20 captains retiring in the next 7 years, 240 FO's in front of me)
- Company still trying to make profit after heavy restructure and will be sold in the future. No body knows who will be the new owner.
- Whatever got cancelled in the past during COVID and an almost-bankcruptcy never came back (13th+14th salary, requests that are actually being granted, off days between rotations...)
- Commuting is very tiring and expensive to my homebase - approx. 800€/month plus hotel if needed until now when flying. In the future there is no flight connection so I would have to take a 7 hour train commute in the future wich is the hell when commuting 4 times a month (56 hours a month on trains).
What would you do? Thanks for your thoughts - its a tough decision. Although conditions are not the best - I love my job and enjoy going to work every day. Just looking for a more stable employer and better salary on the long run. Being 32 years old, this will probably be a decision for a lifetime.