There is of course also the option of trying to get in with a new 777 operator from the get-go with a realistic expectation of a reasonably quick progression, join a union and work diligently towards improving the T&C's.
I find the lack of comprehension of the market forces, on behalf of some of the posters on this forum simply astounding!
VA's management will only pay as little as they can get away with, while attracting the caliber of pilots they need to operate the aircraft safely. If they payed MORE than that, they wouldn't be looking after the shareholders best interest. There is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE between QF,SQ CX etc. and VA in this regard. THE ONLY difference is that VA don't have to deal with several decades worth of accumulated collective bargaining power from the employee organisations, but is a greenfield operation with ample access to qualified pilots wanting a sea-change. The job ahead for those of us who have imbibed on the "**** sandwich" is to stick together to improve the quality and texture!!
But please, at the same time put all this in the RIGHT perspective - a Captain with VA currently has a salary in excess of 200K - and it will only improve as we are all coming off individual contracts onto an EBA. I'd imagine you'd have to flip A LOT of burgers at Macca's, to make that kind of money.....
Meanwhile, VA is a great place to come to work, - we're not all out of the same sausage factory - and with the new routes and aircraft coming on line over the coming years, offers an attractive alternative for those of us who have had enough of expat-life.
Last edited by Red Jet; 11th Mar 2010 at 01:32.