3 747-228F's on the property...
Just so you all know and won't have to ask any longer, all three 747-228F's are on the property. I flew #2 (Midex 9) from AMS to AAN on the 30th of June and #3 (Midex 8) arrived on the property July 26th. Both planes are in the process of getting registared in the UAE. Some emergency equipment is on order to replace a few items the GCA would prefer us to use. As of this morning, it is my understanding that a 4th plane has been purchased and that possibly a 5th could be on the way later in the year. These last two are only a rumor... don't hold me to it.
Several good things have come to us over the past month. Things are slowly getting better here for all of us. One item... we are now at 60 days on duty (instead of 70) and 18 days off (instead of 21). But... we now travel on our days on so its really like working 56 and 22. This is a big boost to the moral of the crew members... and with any luck at all, maybe next year we could get another increase in the days off time.
Another good thing... perdiem has been raised to $60.00 per day at all locations. We were getting $25.00 for everywhere except Europe, that was $50.00. So this is a very good thing for us as there were many places we went to that a sandwich cost us $30.00.
Another good things... all flights will now be catered. We have waiting a long time for this to happen and trust me when I say this was a very good thing to happen for us.
There are some other good things in the works but I can't say anything because its only a rumor at this point, even though it has been discussed at the upper management level.
I personally moved from the Al Ain apartment complex to a very nice apartment in Dubai. The company is paying a housing allowance that doesn't cover all the cost but my quality of life went up 1000%. I can only hope that in the future we can get an increase in our housing allowance that would be more inline with the cost of living in Dubai.
They say all good things come to those that wait. Good things are slow to come but they are coming. Midex is realizing that if they want to have good crew members work here, they have to do a few things to attact them. With that said, I know the company is still hiring for the 747. As of my last contact, you still have to be quailfied within the past 2 years. This could have changed so don't hold me to it. I have no idea who you should write too, please don't send things to me. The company is still having a time at getting work permits and residence visas... it can take a long time.
I can't say what the future business is going to be... right now most of my flying has been to the War Zone. We hear things about contacts but its a wait and see game.
I hope this helps all were looking for info. When I come back on here again in six months, I'll post whatever new things I know about. See you all then...
Tom