Ethiopian Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2010
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thanks Flex
I think FCI offer you a good way of collecting information and helps you with visa etc, but I was wondering if if there's someone else out there offering something more! thanks
I think FCI offer you a good way of collecting information and helps you with visa etc, but I was wondering if if there's someone else out there offering something more! thanks
Join Date: Jan 2008
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169 West
Yeah, been working with FCI and they suck. Just go to Ethiopians website (google search) and apply with them. Pay will be better (read; on time!) and they will be more flexible with everything. They would much rather you be with them than with any other contracting agency out there. Nice people, but will test you on your patience in the sim.
Good luck and PM for more info.
Bolshevik.
Good luck and PM for more info.
Bolshevik.
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Ethiopian Airlines
I wanted to post this because of the enormous response of folks to my post about Ethiopian Airlines. Everyone needs, and should have, information about any contract they are about to embark upon. Below are a grouping of questions and answers about this airline and the various contracting agencies involved.
At the risk of sounding absurd, do not use FCI.
And to the gentleman that asked me the questions, please forgive me for using them for general answers as your questions were very good. Also I have done my best to keep you anonymous.
I've been invited for an interview with Ethiopian (Captain B737).
Dare one ask if you have any inside thoughts / views on working for them?
Yes, Ethiopian is an excellent company to work for. They treat you with respect and pay you on time. You will be, however, asked to fly a great deal of time, but will be compensated for it. No one, however will demand that you fly more than you are comfortable with.
Housing info (location / rental costs / running costs / deposits / etc... )?
Generally, guys are sharing accommodations and are paying around $400US or so a month max. More if you want your own place.
Actual monthly salary? Is it taxed locally? How is it paid (direct to on-shore / offshore bank / or in cash) ? Regular payments? In which currency?
737 is paid $6500us a month whilst 767 is $7000 and the DHC8 is $6000us per month. This is paid (if direct, which is preferable) to the bank of your choice on the 11th of the month.
Which routes do the B737 fleet operate?
The B737 flies to the following destinations:
Chad, Nigeria, South Africa (Johannesburg), Egypt, Israel, Lebanon (Beirut), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Kenya, Tanzania, as well as a few others I can't remember right now.
What kind of flight-time limitations scheme do they follow (if any)? How many sectors per day Night flights per month? Days off per week / per month?
110 Hours per month (loosely, with your permission). Most sectors are 2-4 per day. Night flights are assigned with respect to rest or request. Days off are per work performed. Mostly, you will get 8-10 per month. Fleets are in desperate need currently and you will be asked to fly all that you can. If you fly overtime, though, you will be compensated duly for it. (Especially if you fly over the National limits)
How many night stops per month and / or do night stops attract any 'duty pay' or is that included as part of the 'per diems' ?
Night stops are non-existent on the 737, 767, and MD-11 fleets. The Q-400 is the only fleet that does any standup overnights. All of your flying is compensated with per diem while you are in country.
How does the 'ground transport' pick-up / drop-off work (and / or are you hanging about waiting for them all the time) ?
You are waiting for them all the time. They have no idea what is going on. You have the choice to wait for them (which is excused) or get a taxi (which is prompt and will charge you about $4US).
How is Internet access in Addis Ababa and / or how fast is it (assuming one can get it)?
It mostly sucks on the weekends, but is decent during the week. Don't expect too much good porn.
In general would you recommend Ethiopian Airlines, or would it be more of a case of "steer well clear" ?
I would definitely recommend them. Honestly, they are a wonderful company. They issue headsets, flight bags, uniforms, computers, heavy jackets, raincoats, and anything you need. They will, however ask you to work as much as you can. Ethiopian scheduling and pilots will treat you with much respect and admiration as long as you adhere to their SOP and requests for protocol. Pay is on time and the people are quite nice.
Thanking you in advance for whatever help & guidance you might be able to offer.
Happy to help. Just don't use FCI for contract. Go direct with the company. Believe me. PM me for more info.
At the risk of sounding absurd, do not use FCI.
And to the gentleman that asked me the questions, please forgive me for using them for general answers as your questions were very good. Also I have done my best to keep you anonymous.
I've been invited for an interview with Ethiopian (Captain B737).
Dare one ask if you have any inside thoughts / views on working for them?
Yes, Ethiopian is an excellent company to work for. They treat you with respect and pay you on time. You will be, however, asked to fly a great deal of time, but will be compensated for it. No one, however will demand that you fly more than you are comfortable with.
Housing info (location / rental costs / running costs / deposits / etc... )?
Generally, guys are sharing accommodations and are paying around $400US or so a month max. More if you want your own place.
Actual monthly salary? Is it taxed locally? How is it paid (direct to on-shore / offshore bank / or in cash) ? Regular payments? In which currency?
737 is paid $6500us a month whilst 767 is $7000 and the DHC8 is $6000us per month. This is paid (if direct, which is preferable) to the bank of your choice on the 11th of the month.
Which routes do the B737 fleet operate?
The B737 flies to the following destinations:
Chad, Nigeria, South Africa (Johannesburg), Egypt, Israel, Lebanon (Beirut), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Kenya, Tanzania, as well as a few others I can't remember right now.
What kind of flight-time limitations scheme do they follow (if any)? How many sectors per day Night flights per month? Days off per week / per month?
110 Hours per month (loosely, with your permission). Most sectors are 2-4 per day. Night flights are assigned with respect to rest or request. Days off are per work performed. Mostly, you will get 8-10 per month. Fleets are in desperate need currently and you will be asked to fly all that you can. If you fly overtime, though, you will be compensated duly for it. (Especially if you fly over the National limits)
How many night stops per month and / or do night stops attract any 'duty pay' or is that included as part of the 'per diems' ?
Night stops are non-existent on the 737, 767, and MD-11 fleets. The Q-400 is the only fleet that does any standup overnights. All of your flying is compensated with per diem while you are in country.
How does the 'ground transport' pick-up / drop-off work (and / or are you hanging about waiting for them all the time) ?
You are waiting for them all the time. They have no idea what is going on. You have the choice to wait for them (which is excused) or get a taxi (which is prompt and will charge you about $4US).
How is Internet access in Addis Ababa and / or how fast is it (assuming one can get it)?
It mostly sucks on the weekends, but is decent during the week. Don't expect too much good porn.
In general would you recommend Ethiopian Airlines, or would it be more of a case of "steer well clear" ?
I would definitely recommend them. Honestly, they are a wonderful company. They issue headsets, flight bags, uniforms, computers, heavy jackets, raincoats, and anything you need. They will, however ask you to work as much as you can. Ethiopian scheduling and pilots will treat you with much respect and admiration as long as you adhere to their SOP and requests for protocol. Pay is on time and the people are quite nice.
Thanking you in advance for whatever help & guidance you might be able to offer.
Happy to help. Just don't use FCI for contract. Go direct with the company. Believe me. PM me for more info.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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How is Internet access in Addis Ababa and / or how fast is it (assuming one can get it)?
It also depends on what part of town you're in. I've got the EVDO wireless, which is the fastest, with speeds up to 700 Kbps. I'm getting close to that most of the time, but in the bole area it was much worse. I'm out in CMC area.
EVDO USB modems cost $150 here ($50 for the same one in China), and there is a $20 set up fee and then about $28 a month for up to 2 GB download. Works good for me. Most of the hotels have wifi for us, so I don't get close to the 2 GB limit.
It also depends on what part of town you're in. I've got the EVDO wireless, which is the fastest, with speeds up to 700 Kbps. I'm getting close to that most of the time, but in the bole area it was much worse. I'm out in CMC area.
EVDO USB modems cost $150 here ($50 for the same one in China), and there is a $20 set up fee and then about $28 a month for up to 2 GB download. Works good for me. Most of the hotels have wifi for us, so I don't get close to the 2 GB limit.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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Couple of questions regarding pending interview
Can anyone tell me how easy it is to get into business class between either New York and Addis, or Beijing and Addis or Bangkok and Addis. I'm in Hawaii and exactly halfway around the world, and want to travel the interview via the city I'm most likely to get an upgrade from!
Also, is it absolutely necessary to show up in a business suit? We all know how hard the damn things are to carry.
And lastly, do you have to pay Ethiopian taxes, or is the pay only subject to your own country's taxes?
Thanks!
Also, is it absolutely necessary to show up in a business suit? We all know how hard the damn things are to carry.
And lastly, do you have to pay Ethiopian taxes, or is the pay only subject to your own country's taxes?
Thanks!
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Good question
Hi guys, a strange question if I may... are you guys who already work at ET wearing a suit for the business travel for the interview? Or did you just dress nice with a good set of slacks, shirt and tie? My last interview in Africa was in a full suit, colonial style and that was in 40 degrees Celcius... almost died of heat stroke and that was 20 years ago!
I know that some old school companies still exist, but I was hoping to get away with a relaxed look while travelling down and back.... what did oyu wear at the interview?
Any and all usefull info appreciated!
Cheers
6to8
I know that some old school companies still exist, but I was hoping to get away with a relaxed look while travelling down and back.... what did oyu wear at the interview?
Any and all usefull info appreciated!
Cheers
6to8
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This time of the year...
... the temperature is around 20 degrees C and less. Most of Ethiopia is on a high altimeter. Addis is approximately at 8000 feet I think. Also bear in mind that now they are in raining season (July- August).
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Can anyone tell me how easy it is to get into business class between either New York and Addis, or Beijing and Addis or Bangkok and Addis. I'm in Hawaii and exactly halfway around the world, and want to travel the interview via the city I'm most likely to get an upgrade from!
I was booked in Business class for the interview well in advance. No upgrade needed.
Also, is it absolutely necessary to show up in a business suit? We all know how hard the damn things are to carry.
I wore comfortable cloths for the flights to/from ADD
And lastly, do you have to pay Ethiopian taxes, or is the pay only subject to your own country's taxes?
NO. You are paid "off shore" so to speak. The full amount is wired to your account of choice.
I was booked in Business class for the interview well in advance. No upgrade needed.
Also, is it absolutely necessary to show up in a business suit? We all know how hard the damn things are to carry.
I wore comfortable cloths for the flights to/from ADD
And lastly, do you have to pay Ethiopian taxes, or is the pay only subject to your own country's taxes?
NO. You are paid "off shore" so to speak. The full amount is wired to your account of choice.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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I know that some old school companies still exist, but I was hoping to get away with a relaxed look while travelling down and back.... what did oyu wear at the interview?
I wore a suit to the interview, and everyone in the group I interviewed with did the same. I wore comfortable cloths for travel.
I wore a suit to the interview, and everyone in the group I interviewed with did the same. I wore comfortable cloths for travel.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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So, you had to have a carry on with all your clothes, and then a suit carrier for your suit, and lug that along with you all the way to Ethiopia.
That already sounds like the worst part of the whole interview. I wish they would simply do away with that crap and tell you to show up in nice casual wear.
That already sounds like the worst part of the whole interview. I wish they would simply do away with that crap and tell you to show up in nice casual wear.
Join Date: Oct 2008
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Housing In Addis
Bolshevik or others, can you tell me of the housing and life style outside the airline is like? i.e. house vs. apartment? Housekeepers? etc... Does anyone have there wife or girlfriend with them there? Western style markets and food? Thanks!
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Thanks guys
Thanks for the responses guys... appreciate it! I am wondering about how healthy it is to be in Ethiopia? I have heard that some crews on the Dash have to do stand up overnights in the countryside out of ADD... and that is in the menegitis and malaria belt... what are the experiences so far from the guys down there already? We almost lost our child a few years ago due to menegitis... it was really close and I don't want to go through that again given that some people can be a carrier and not affected by it.
What is it like there? How is the hygene in ADD? Are you guys buying bottled water for drinking/teeth brushing etc? Some of these questions sound silly coming from an old African like me, but after going through what we did before I am asking before commiting to anything so any insight appreciated. Thanks.
Cheers
6to8
.... I am not expecting much of reply as most people of the modern age travel first and then ask questions... but for those who are in country please share your experiences and thoughts on the subject!
What is it like there? How is the hygene in ADD? Are you guys buying bottled water for drinking/teeth brushing etc? Some of these questions sound silly coming from an old African like me, but after going through what we did before I am asking before commiting to anything so any insight appreciated. Thanks.
Cheers
6to8
.... I am not expecting much of reply as most people of the modern age travel first and then ask questions... but for those who are in country please share your experiences and thoughts on the subject!
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Bolshevik or others, can you tell me of the housing and life style outside the airline is like? i.e. house vs. apartment? Housekeepers? etc... Does anyone have there wife or girlfriend with them there? Western style markets and food? Thanks!
Housing. I've been looking for a place recently, and this is what I've found. I found a 1 BR 1BA condo in Gerji that is brand new, unfurnished for 3,000 Birr a month, or about $221. It had two balconies (4th floor) and was quite bright and attractive. You can buy locally made bamboo furniture cheap, but the quality is poor. Anything imported is expensive. Some wood furniture is made locally, but it is still not cheap. I chose not to rent that condo because I didn't like the area -- there are not many of the type of restaurants expats would go to. It is close to the airport, and there is a minibus route that goes close to there, but not many taxis.
If you want to be in the Bole area, which is the area where there are lots of restaurants and coffee shops and stores, it will cost more. This area is also close to the airport. I found a furnished one bedroom guest apartment in a local family's compound for about $420 a month including laundry and maid service (by their maid).
Labor is extremely cheap here. You can hire a maid/housekeeper/cook for $50 a month. Most houses have servants quarters for maids, driver, and security guard.
Some pilots get together and rent one large house, western style and many of them are quite nice. There seems to be a lot available in those higher price ranges. One house I know has 6 guys in it (2 very large master bedrooms, 4 regular size bedrooms plus two very small bedrooms and 4 servants quarters), they have two maids, a security guard, and a driver (with his own car). They each pay about $400 a month. They furnished it themselves.
Lots of guys have local girl friends, but few have brought wives and families here. In fact, I haven't met any yet who have their family here.
No problems when it comes to western style markets and foods, but if the food is imported, it is expensive. Same goes for some toiletry items. However, those of us who do international flying buy stuff on our trips.
Housing. I've been looking for a place recently, and this is what I've found. I found a 1 BR 1BA condo in Gerji that is brand new, unfurnished for 3,000 Birr a month, or about $221. It had two balconies (4th floor) and was quite bright and attractive. You can buy locally made bamboo furniture cheap, but the quality is poor. Anything imported is expensive. Some wood furniture is made locally, but it is still not cheap. I chose not to rent that condo because I didn't like the area -- there are not many of the type of restaurants expats would go to. It is close to the airport, and there is a minibus route that goes close to there, but not many taxis.
If you want to be in the Bole area, which is the area where there are lots of restaurants and coffee shops and stores, it will cost more. This area is also close to the airport. I found a furnished one bedroom guest apartment in a local family's compound for about $420 a month including laundry and maid service (by their maid).
Labor is extremely cheap here. You can hire a maid/housekeeper/cook for $50 a month. Most houses have servants quarters for maids, driver, and security guard.
Some pilots get together and rent one large house, western style and many of them are quite nice. There seems to be a lot available in those higher price ranges. One house I know has 6 guys in it (2 very large master bedrooms, 4 regular size bedrooms plus two very small bedrooms and 4 servants quarters), they have two maids, a security guard, and a driver (with his own car). They each pay about $400 a month. They furnished it themselves.
Lots of guys have local girl friends, but few have brought wives and families here. In fact, I haven't met any yet who have their family here.
No problems when it comes to western style markets and foods, but if the food is imported, it is expensive. Same goes for some toiletry items. However, those of us who do international flying buy stuff on our trips.
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Thanks for the responses guys... appreciate it! I am wondering about how healthy it is to be in Ethiopia?
Probably not.
I have heard that some crews on the Dash have to do stand up overnights in the countryside out of ADD... and that is in the menegitis and malaria belt... what are the experiences so far from the guys down there already? We almost lost our child a few years ago due to menegitis... it was really close and I don't want to go through that again given that some people can be a carrier and not affected by it.
I know nothing about Dash flying.
What is it like there? How is the hygene in ADD?
The city is filthy. I eat in restaurants a lot, and you can find many with good standards. But there are many places I wouldn't eat.
Are you guys buying bottled water for drinking/teeth brushing etc?
ABSOLUTELY! Bottled water is cheap.
Some of these questions sound silly coming from an old African like me, but after going through what we did before I am asking before commiting to anything so any insight appreciated. Thanks.
Cheers
6to8
.... I am not expecting much of reply as most people of the modern age travel first and then ask questions... but for those who are in country please share your experiences and thoughts on the subject!
Living in a country like this requires a spirit of adventure and a sort of relaxed fearlessness combined with wisdom and prudence. Personally, I'm enjoying it, but I also assume I won't be here long term. Maybe it isn't for you. If you're worried about it, don't come.
Probably not.
I have heard that some crews on the Dash have to do stand up overnights in the countryside out of ADD... and that is in the menegitis and malaria belt... what are the experiences so far from the guys down there already? We almost lost our child a few years ago due to menegitis... it was really close and I don't want to go through that again given that some people can be a carrier and not affected by it.
I know nothing about Dash flying.
What is it like there? How is the hygene in ADD?
The city is filthy. I eat in restaurants a lot, and you can find many with good standards. But there are many places I wouldn't eat.
Are you guys buying bottled water for drinking/teeth brushing etc?
ABSOLUTELY! Bottled water is cheap.
Some of these questions sound silly coming from an old African like me, but after going through what we did before I am asking before commiting to anything so any insight appreciated. Thanks.
Cheers
6to8
.... I am not expecting much of reply as most people of the modern age travel first and then ask questions... but for those who are in country please share your experiences and thoughts on the subject!
Living in a country like this requires a spirit of adventure and a sort of relaxed fearlessness combined with wisdom and prudence. Personally, I'm enjoying it, but I also assume I won't be here long term. Maybe it isn't for you. If you're worried about it, don't come.
Join Date: Jan 2009
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I Feel Rushed
I sent a CV about two weeks ago and Recruiting sent back the specs. I mulled them over, read this thread, and thought it might be better than what I've been doing, although for less money. So I sent an email four or five days ago that I was interested.
There was a visa application yesterday copied to me, and I wrote back that they had put my birthdate down as December 15, 2008, which would certainly make me the youngest pilot on staff.
Today I received my e-booking out of Washington DC on August 28.
One is that I have plans for the Labor Day weekend and two is that the fares, if you can even get a seat (I'm in Hawaii) are astronomical.
Does anyone with experience there think I'll be looked down upon if I ask them top to postpone until mid September? I have never seen any airline move that fast!
I've been working in a place that will make Addis look like London, so I have no issues with the bottled water and filth, but I simply am in the middle of things here and can't really rush off at the drop of a hat.
Or do they consider that an insult?
Advice?
There was a visa application yesterday copied to me, and I wrote back that they had put my birthdate down as December 15, 2008, which would certainly make me the youngest pilot on staff.
Today I received my e-booking out of Washington DC on August 28.
One is that I have plans for the Labor Day weekend and two is that the fares, if you can even get a seat (I'm in Hawaii) are astronomical.
Does anyone with experience there think I'll be looked down upon if I ask them top to postpone until mid September? I have never seen any airline move that fast!
I've been working in a place that will make Addis look like London, so I have no issues with the bottled water and filth, but I simply am in the middle of things here and can't really rush off at the drop of a hat.
Or do they consider that an insult?
Advice?
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When you consider the non-tax income, the housing allowance, and the per diem the pay is not that bad.
To any American expat working overseas, do you have any cpa/money manager that would be familiar with the expat situation that you would recommend?
To any American expat working overseas, do you have any cpa/money manager that would be familiar with the expat situation that you would recommend?
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Response
Housing is so varied. You can spend as much as you want to here, but you have to be careful. The "ferengi" pricing is prevalent and if you are not careful, you will spend double what a property is worth. That being said, the most popular thing to do seems to be to go in with some other guys on a large house. There are mansions here that have 6+ bedrooms as the above poster said, and you should end up paying no more than $500US per month for everything (driver, maids, security, etc). It is really not so bad and your housing allowance should cover that as well as almost all of your monthly expenses. Keep in mind that your housing allowance is paid in local currency with no conversion fees and you may find that you are making out quite well.
Bo
Bo
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Dont feel rushed
Seriously, they are in such a desperate need for pilots that they will accept you whenever you are available. They will not see it as an insult even if they act so on the phone or email. It would seem that the only thing you could do to put them off would be to fly into the side of a mountain on your sim ride. Even that may be forgivable with a good attitude.
Bo
Bo