I am the wife of an EK Skipper. I used to fly myself until we moved to Dubai so i understand the politics in aviation only too well.
When we came here a few years ago, this company was great, however, my husband and I have seen a radical detrimental change over this last year. I can tell you, he is working harder than i've ever known to the point where i barely see him anymore and the odd times where i do see him, he is exhausted. We are in the luckier position of having no children so we are relatively free to sleep when we want, get up when we want (on days off, of course). How do pilots with young children cope????
More so, this lack of Leave situation is ridiculous. Both my parents and my in laws suffer ill health so cannot fly. When on earth are we going to see them again???
I believe EK need to stop new aircraft arriving, cancel some flights and start giving it's front line staff (pilots, engineers and cabin crew) a modicum of respect by honouring the contractual leave, and give them adequate rest between duties. That would be a start. Might stop some people leaving and it might attract new joiners!
I know, many of you will be thinking "EK will never do that!" Pretty soon, they will have no choice but to cancel flights. My husband is currently looking elsewhere. Of course time off to attend interviews and selections would be helpful.
