The euro has been staging a comeback since mid 2013. Ever since things calmed down a bit in Greece. But will it last? There are still enormous fiscal issues to be worked through in the PIGS.
In the short term, yes, the current strength of the euro has a damaging effect on those THY salaries.
But if you look at the HKD/EUR rates you'll see the HKD has fallen steadily all year too, down about 6% . If your home is in Europe you are losing ground, while also facing 4.5% p.a. inflation in HK, a mega expensive city.
HKA does not fly to Europe, and gives their expats nothing in terms of ticket subsidies, so any home trips you manage to get are full fare, at your own expense. They don't even allow their pilots jump-seat travel on their own network! (Except on two local freighter services, and with massive paperwork headaches associated.)
THY offer free tickets home on your block Off Days!
THY may not be the golden goose - but if you are tired of separation from home and family it starts to look like a decent option. With their better Days Off arrangements (3 weeks on 1 week off) and europe-wide route network, you can at least have a semblance of normality. No need to transfer the family to Istanbul. Just hop on a free flight and get home to them in an hour or two!
The HKA salary is already below par for HK. Subtract the tax, the cost of housing, the cost of full fare tickets home, and the difference might boil down to a few hundred euro either way at current exchange rates. The Basic Salary is the same as HKA. The extras could put it ahead.
It won't likely attract CX guys, but they aren't the target. It's HKA all the way.
Can anyone clarify - what are the jump-seating arrangements at THY? Do they accept FD crew in the jump-seat on leisure travel? Do they give free jumpseat privileges to FD crew traveling in uniform?
Jetstar is waiting in the wings.
Do you honestly believe their package/rostering etc will be any better???
What I meant was if HKA winds down through lack of crews/cancellations/delays/CAD obstructionism, there's another operator begging to be given a go.