efq,
For decades the HR department at EK has been very skilled at finding and recruiting pilots that fit their mould. This moulding of pilots at an early stage ensured that the company's training costs were minimised because they recruited pilots who were already qualified and experienced in their specific type of operations. EK always turned a profit at the end of the day, because on the frontline, they had experienced Captains who were the only people trained to transport passengers and operate the airborne equipment as safely and efficiently as possible, while also maximising company revenue.
It means EK previously found pilots who had global heavy jet experience, a variety of complex operational backgrounds and theatres, several logbooks detailing accomplishments, solid training pedigrees, strong simulator and aptitude test results, certain language competencies, a specific cognitive thought process, and the list goes on.....
While I am not saying you do not possess these characteristics, I am saying the recruiters identified that you do not fit the EK mould. This does not mean you are not a good pilot, it just means you do not currently have the experience to suit the EK operation.
The problem that all EK pilots observe daily is that the pool of pilots that fit the company's mould is now shrinking, and those that remain available no longer find the current EK package an attractive proposition. It may not be attractive for financial reasons, aircraft type and rostering reasons, lifestyle, regional stability concerns, health implications, a unique individual concern, or a combination of the above. The company's managers are not willing to understand this.
Managers are not leaders. They fail to understand that almost all EK pilots would appreciate you joining our ranks, if you would allow us to mentor you, build your experience, and allow us to develop you as a professional pilot at a formerly great airline. However, until someone demonstrates positive and open leadership to engage with the pilot group, this recruitment situation will continue, and others will face the same situation you have experienced.
Do not be disheartened by the events that have transpired. I personally wish you well for the future.
The G.