Confused,
This is really a very subjective subject. Someone here without kids, compared to someone here with kids, compared to a single FO, compared to DEC, compared to an FO, whos been here for 3 to 4 + years and still no command course date, compared to a new joiner, still excited about the big move, will all give you a different view on the reality that is Dubai. To all of them, their differing view will truthfully be the only true view.
May I suggest that the only real way to see if it is right for you and your family, is to come on over and spend a week or two here. Ask the questions, look around and do the maths re pay etc yourself. It may seem like a very expensive thing to do, but it will be money well spent if either of you decide it’s not for you.
I believe recruiting are still saying 3 yrs to upgrade. We have over 100 FOs who have completed 3yrs without an offer of a command course. Over 70 of these guys have not been told of a course date up to Mar 08. They are however, watching guys 1yr Jnr to themselves upgrading on time on the other fleet. Be honest with yourself when you consider how well you will deal with this. 4 to 5 years ago, it was the Bus guys upgrading before the Boeing guys.
We have 95 aeroplanes in the PAX fleet. We have 1650 pilots, of which, 850 are FOs. So a new joiner today will need 95 x 2 aeroplanes in the fleet (give or take a few for retirements, resignations, DECs etc) before his/her number for upgrade arrives. So for the 3yrs to upgrade to work out, you would need EK to be expanding at 30 aeroplanes per year, for the next 3 years plus. To put this in perspective, in 2000/01 EK had 38 aeroplanes and 500 pilots. Afer a slow couple of years it doubled in size by 2003/4. These guys got their command in 3yrs, as the company doubled in size. To do this it needed to add 10 + aeroplanes per year. I think expansion is continuing around 15 or so new aeroplanes per year. As it gets larger, the time to command will expand. So I would suggest planning on 6, 7 or even 8 years to upgrade. If you get it sooner it will be a bonus. But you never know what will happen over here.
I am sure you have lots of friends over here already. Take their advice. But make sure this advice is right for you. Are they in the same circumstances family wise etc as you are? If not ask if they could introduce you to someone who is in the same situation. The salary figures are on the EK careers web site. Use these numbers. The exchange rate when transferring money home today (this was from Thomas Cook, the Banks were charging Aed3.05 to Aud 1) was Aed 2.99 to Aud 1. So divide by 2.99 to get the Oz equivalent. The over night allowance will not add much to your household income, if you plan on eating or drinking when away.
The good side is that you will get to fly to some places you would have never even imagined about. You will get to fly with some great fellas. You get the chance to sit in the front of some newish machines. But have a think about how you will feel, when after a year or two, you have got to see all the destinations, and this newish machine becomes just another device that keeps you from your bed.
For some this place is great. For others it’s barely tolerable. Take the time to make sure it is right for you. After all, it’s just a job.
Good luck mate.
Don