Hello CC78,
Im ex EI albeit ex groundstaff but I know LOADS of current crew with them. EI was a great company to work for a few years ago. Things have changed somewhat but its still an enjoyable bunch to work with. However new crew are being brought in on a new cheaper contract (thats what the recent strike threat was over) and I believe this is causing some considerable tension within the company.
As new crew you will be on a temporary contract only trained for the A320 and operating shorthaul routes. If you are successful in becoming permanent you will then be trained also for the A330 and your roster will include a mix of shorthaul and longhaul flying. After a number of years you can apply to be placed on a "Trans Weighted" roster whereby you primarily operate longhaul.
Lots of expansion taking place in EI at the moment with two new A330's arriving this year and 4 A320's. Also with open skies around the corner lots of new routes to the states and constant whispers of eastern trips to compliment the Dubai service.