Well, it was too good to be true. All those upgrades on A320 and B767. Explicit commitment from VPO to upgrade from within. Seniority Lists. Temporary captains (which recently got their contract extended until their retirement). And so on.
There`s a full group of prospective B767 DECs in town for assessment. Seems like GF will hire 6 or 8 of them. PLUS one gentleman already hired and well under training on A320. Seems like none of these decisions were published via webmail with a VPO`s signature.
B767 DECs have been a fairly common practice every now and then, so doesn`t cause too much surprise, although definitely causes lots of frustration. BUT A320 DECs is a genuine breakthrough is the last 3-4 years policy. Wonder how many more will come.
Everyone in the region (mainly QR, EK and EY) recruit DECs. Fair enough, they`re expanding at good pace and eventually training cannot cope with upgrades and new hires F/Os. As far as I know, Gulf Air is NOT expanding. We still have 34 planes and not a single order or even LOI or MoU. We also have in-house Sims, now relocated in BAH, no more need to DHD to DOH. So, is there really a need for DECs?
Safe Flights,
JJ
