In relation to Go Directs post re benefits at EK, I think the following qualification is in order.
1st year FO pay is 16760 per month. (3990 euros) and 23920 (5695 euros) for Captains.
Housing and utilities paid for YES --
But you have no choice of villa type, or location. You may end up with something OK, or you may not.
Can you take an allowance in lieu of company provided accommodation YES--
But, its only 95000dhs per annum, for Captains, and less for FOs which is not enough to cover rent, and utilities, which can be very expensive when running air conditioning all summer. Most professionals in Dubai get 120000 plus utilities.
Education paid YES well sort of-
You don't get any cash, you are reimbursed for 90% up to a limit. Unfortunately the limit no longer covers the recent price rises at most schools. As an example the allowance for primary school has just been increased from 19000 to 23500 per year per child, most schools now cost 28000.
Provident fund paid YES-
But you also have to contribute a percentage of your own to pay, no choice. Due to mismanagement the value of most pilots provident fund is now less than what has been contributed. After 15 years in EK the payout value would give you a deposit on a house in the UK, but you wont be retiring on it.
Private health cover YES at the EK clinic--
But its not free you contribute each month,again you have no choice, just as you have no choice of doctors, or a surgeon if you need something done. EK no longer give you a choice of treatment back home at same cost, as they use to.
Loss of license YES-
But the company self insures, therefore addition loss of license, and death cover is essential.
Free transport YES-
A nice benefit.
Allowances to pay for a few beers YES-
But but not enough to actually eat with and are amongst the worst in the industry, and are going down all the time.
Life Style -
Varies depending on fleet, and position, ie numbers at the time on each type, routes flow. At present Captains at least on both fleets are very busy doing upwards of 85 to 90 hours per month Many flights are minimum rest, a few are less than minimum rest and operate under a dispensation. Most pilots would get 10 days a month at home in Dubai.
Added up, the maximum actual pay you are going to receive as an FO is a little over 14000 dhs per month after you take out your compulsory provident fund contribution, medical, and other contributions, or 28000 pounds /40000 euros per year as none of the other benefits are paid as cash. The basic pay has gone from 13500 ,15 years ago to, 16500 today. Theres no doubting the package is worth something but you cant take the unrealistic costs of these benefits in Dubai and convert them to a wage. In most countries you would make money by living in your own house through capital gains. As for schools and medical, the public facilities in any first world country are free, and of a higher standard than in Dubai.
All in all, the company it self is pretty good, but the pay and benefits benefits are becoming very shabby.. If your single, its probably worth considering, if your married and have a position with any half descent, stable, airline in your own country, it definitely does not add up. You wont here too much complaining about EK on this forumn as there is only one governemt owned ISP which is closely monitored.