Flying Saucers original post is a very fair and balanced summation of the joys and challenges of Skymark, just a couple of points to contend or expand upon:
- agents, in my time with IAC had no real problems and (I believe) a good working relationship with various IAC employees, generally agencies have few problems in Japan as it's been ticking over for a while and the processes are pretty well established.
What COULD be said is that all agents are ultimately going to look after their client (Skymark), your agent may well pursue your interests and at times get a positive result - however when final push comes to shove ALL agents will fold, the timing of their folding may vary from agent to agent and situation to situation;
- during your 8-12 months of training/indoctrination it is expected you will remain in Japan regardless of any disasters that may happen back home - that's just the way it's done in Japan and the ongoing mentality that has to, and may indeed, change....one day.
If you force the issue and need to go home anyway it will be noted and will not be a positive note in your ongoing relations with Skymark.
What is fair to say is that for anyone "stuck" on a CRJ/JungleJet size aircraft who wants to get onto something bigger Skymark may be an option, dozens (?) have arrived over the past 5-6 years then departed "home" to Ryan/Norwegian etc etc with 500+ of 737 time under their belt.
Whether the same opportunities will be available in 2/3 years time...????
Cheers!
