Yeah, thanks for implying that I am both naive and a dreamer, Bombay HF, I was mearly reflecting my hopes.
Today at Gulf Air we have guys with up to 8 or 9 years with the company, who meet the requirements for upgrade, who have been told that upgrades are frozen.
It is just my observation that the best companies (the ones one really wants to spend a career with) end up getting their Captains from within. How you feel about Gulf Air as an attractive employer is besides the point. However, the airlines who are shortsighted hire direct entry, and they are also the ones who lose staff loyalty because the signal is "leave us, come back when you are a Captain."
In a way, they shoot themselves in the foot, by providing fodder for Low-Cost airlines. Few pilots see low-cost carriers at attractive career options, but it is a great way to get time and quick command (with the experience) and then go to some DEC entry. These are the same airlines that threaten legacy carriers. Perhaps an oversimplified view, but I think there is some truth to this.
In any case, Gulf Air may be needing to hire 2 pilots for every vacancy in any case-- one DEC, and another FO, because the signal being sent is that payment of dues mean nothing-- when your turn comes to upgrade, after years of service and riding up through the seniority (and paying the proverbial "dues" and you meet the qualifications, well, you might not be upgraded anyhow because the Company feels it is cheaper and easier for them not to.
For the FO, this means a lack of income over the course of their career. Strong signals sent by the Company.
Last edited by Panama Jack; 23rd July 2007 at 14:54.