As an Emirates F/O a quick couple of points.
I am one of many ex captains now working for Emirates, waiting for my turn for command. I agree with the company to hire DE Capts for the forseeable future to benefit all the employees in the company (profit share and all that)
However, yes I agree that a lot of us are ex widebody Captains and could possibly already qualify for these positions looking at our previous experience. However, get the jets in, get them crewed and get the company flying the routes. With the vast number of aircraft inbound in the near future there will be commands for all F/O's waiting at present. To sign the new DE Capts on a short term 3 to 5 year lease would be my vote, until such a time that we get all of us F/O's converted back to the left seat. Of course it will take a little time as the company needs to re-fill the right seat, we all agreed to the terms before we joined, accept it.
Regarding the reason to have joined Emirates, from say a UK salary point of view even here as an F/O things aren't at all bad.
In Dirhams per annum
Salary in 1st year 17250 x 12 = 207000
Housing paid for = 100000
Utilities paid for = 15000
3 children private education = 71000
Provident fund contribution = 25000
Private health = a benefit I wont put a price on
Loss of license = a benefit again
Free transport to from work = 10000
Down route allowances = Good beer money ( not counted)
I could go on, death insurance, interest free loan, free and subsidised travel etc, etc get my point.
So added up = 428000Dhms / 5.9 = 72542 UK Pounds Tax free !!
Oh yes recently the company paid out 8 weeks profit share of 34500 + monthly salary of 17250 = 51750Dhms or 8772 UK pounds TAX FREE for a first year F/O ( in the profit share). Not only that it looks like next years profit share is going to be even better, lets hope.
It's not so bad and at times its great not having everyone bitching that they are going to go to the union rep and Blaahh Blaahh Blaahh.
411a, words just wont say it for me!
Cheers
