SA to ryanair
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: sandpit
EU passport
A mate at SAA told me that they've been told that Ryanair will accept pilots without EU passports for a 2 year period as they're on the scarce skills list or something like that.
Might only be for direct entry captains though and that the basing options would be limited by this.
Still could be better than an LCC job in SA (or mine!) for those with the green mamba.
Apparently they're going down to SA in the next few weeks to screen the SAA pilots that are interested.
If anyone down there (non-SAA) wants to see them as well it might be worth emailing them?
[email protected]
Might only be for direct entry captains though and that the basing options would be limited by this.
Still could be better than an LCC job in SA (or mine!) for those with the green mamba.
Apparently they're going down to SA in the next few weeks to screen the SAA pilots that are interested.
If anyone down there (non-SAA) wants to see them as well it might be worth emailing them?
[email protected]
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
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From: sandpit
I'm not sure I'd characterize it as crossing a picket line but I hear what you're saying Bonway. There are (as there always are) many sides to this.
SAA has just transferred the last B737-800s to Mango and now there are potentially 60 odd SAA pilots who could face losing their jobs. Therefor not everyone can afford to take the same viewpoint as you and need to put bread on the table.
One of the reasons SAA has taken that decision is because the pay and benefits at Mango are so much lower than SAA. Safair is even worse. And this isn't a case of SAA paying too much, it's that Mango and Safair pay way below the market rate for pilots.
So if a Mango pilot or a Safair pilot took up a Ryanair contract they'd they'd actually be standing in solidarity with their SAA, Mango and Safair counterparts by showing their own management that they are undervaluing and underpaying them.
SAA has just transferred the last B737-800s to Mango and now there are potentially 60 odd SAA pilots who could face losing their jobs. Therefor not everyone can afford to take the same viewpoint as you and need to put bread on the table.
One of the reasons SAA has taken that decision is because the pay and benefits at Mango are so much lower than SAA. Safair is even worse. And this isn't a case of SAA paying too much, it's that Mango and Safair pay way below the market rate for pilots.
So if a Mango pilot or a Safair pilot took up a Ryanair contract they'd they'd actually be standing in solidarity with their SAA, Mango and Safair counterparts by showing their own management that they are undervaluing and underpaying them.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 273
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From: Shower house of Africa
I don't think any/many FO's will take it. Ryanair are offering 177k euro per annum for B738 captains. Now that ain't too bad.
BTW : there are no pilot retrenchments planned at SAA. Around 100 pilots retire in the next 5 years. (+- 20 pilots retire per year) No indication from the union that jobs are at risk.
BTW : there are no pilot retrenchments planned at SAA. Around 100 pilots retire in the next 5 years. (+- 20 pilots retire per year) No indication from the union that jobs are at risk.
Last edited by Ghost_Rider737; 22nd January 2018 at 16:09.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 460
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From: A little south of the "Black Sheep" brewery
Bonway, you are clearly living in relative luxury where you can make those choices 'on a matter of principle'. I think that for several this will be a magic life-line, in more ways than one! And people from there will be, by necessity, a lot more 'thick skinned' than you might imagine in your relative luxury! By declining the 'opportunity' to work for Ryanair through your principles, do not complain if you find that you are indirectly helping non-EU citizens into those 'EU' jobs!
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 50
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From: Milton Keynes
A mate at SAA told me that they've been told that Ryanair will accept pilots without EU passports for a 2 year period as they're on the scarce skills list or something like that.
Might only be for direct entry captains though and that the basing options would be limited by this.
Still could be better than an LCC job in SA (or mine!) for those with the green mamba.
Apparently they're going down to SA in the next few weeks to screen the SAA pilots that are interested.
If anyone down there (non-SAA) wants to see them as well it might be worth emailing them?
[email protected]
Might only be for direct entry captains though and that the basing options would be limited by this.
Still could be better than an LCC job in SA (or mine!) for those with the green mamba.
Apparently they're going down to SA in the next few weeks to screen the SAA pilots that are interested.
If anyone down there (non-SAA) wants to see them as well it might be worth emailing them?
[email protected]
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: sandpit
Out of the three Ireland bases of Shannon, Cork and Dublin do you know which is the most junior and therefor "most likely" to get assigned to?
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 126
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From: Still looking
Take your raincoats folk. It’s wet and windy!
Do contact the Unions in those countries to get the lowdown on what’s going on at the mo. I’d get their input in particular regards to the rather dodgy (tax wise) contracts that could be offered. Make sure you’re paid from day one on a direct contract. It may be that figures quoted are “contract rates” which when netted out will be well below headline figures. Ryanair are masters of working the numbers. Be prepared for a fairly brutal culture shock. Its not a bed of roses to say the least and most importantly bring your own screw top mug. Upside is they don’t charge for the hot water from the kettle but do remember your own tea bags or coffee! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
Think, very, very carefully, do extensive research and think long term, is it where you want to be? Don’t be tempted by cash alone. Ireland and UK are very expensive places to live. I know a number in US $ terms who earn less in SA but have I’d say a better overall standard of living.
That said... life’s an adventure.. hey!
Do contact the Unions in those countries to get the lowdown on what’s going on at the mo. I’d get their input in particular regards to the rather dodgy (tax wise) contracts that could be offered. Make sure you’re paid from day one on a direct contract. It may be that figures quoted are “contract rates” which when netted out will be well below headline figures. Ryanair are masters of working the numbers. Be prepared for a fairly brutal culture shock. Its not a bed of roses to say the least and most importantly bring your own screw top mug. Upside is they don’t charge for the hot water from the kettle but do remember your own tea bags or coffee! Been there, done that, got the T-shirt.
Think, very, very carefully, do extensive research and think long term, is it where you want to be? Don’t be tempted by cash alone. Ireland and UK are very expensive places to live. I know a number in US $ terms who earn less in SA but have I’d say a better overall standard of living.
That said... life’s an adventure.. hey!
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 50
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From: Milton Keynes
sa737driver
just spoke to my source and she said SNN and ORK no chance but DUB yes as well as the UK, most likely STN, for those with EU passports, most places in Italy/Sicily, nothing really in Spain apart from Lanzorote/Las Palmas, Portugal good opps in LIS and OPO, FAO, Bulgaria new base in Bourgas, Morrocco, Fez, Gdansk and Wroclaw in Poland, FRA in Germany plus bases for their charter airline Ryanair Sun in Poland, she said she thinks that RYR will do assessments in South Africa like they did in Brazil if there is enough interest.
just spoke to my source and she said SNN and ORK no chance but DUB yes as well as the UK, most likely STN, for those with EU passports, most places in Italy/Sicily, nothing really in Spain apart from Lanzorote/Las Palmas, Portugal good opps in LIS and OPO, FAO, Bulgaria new base in Bourgas, Morrocco, Fez, Gdansk and Wroclaw in Poland, FRA in Germany plus bases for their charter airline Ryanair Sun in Poland, she said she thinks that RYR will do assessments in South Africa like they did in Brazil if there is enough interest.
Joined: Jan 2018
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From: sandpit
Hi Jonesy
Thanks for taking the time to reach out to your contact and thanks again for posting that here. Obviously won't be taken as gospel or as a definite but it's nice to get an inkling of the idea! Really appreciate your time and effort.
The SAA guys have been told the same, that if there's enough interest Ryanair will go down to SA and do the screening there.
Thanks for taking the time to reach out to your contact and thanks again for posting that here. Obviously won't be taken as gospel or as a definite but it's nice to get an inkling of the idea! Really appreciate your time and effort.
The SAA guys have been told the same, that if there's enough interest Ryanair will go down to SA and do the screening there.
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: 60 north
Bonway
I like your attitude , and Your are quite right!
Here is the plan, engage with RYR at your hearts delight folks. Get an offer !
Then wait until the Union is properly in.
By this time next year the offer is 25% better and you all are ready for all the ATPL exams you need to write.
I like your attitude , and Your are quite right!
Here is the plan, engage with RYR at your hearts delight folks. Get an offer !
Then wait until the Union is properly in.
By this time next year the offer is 25% better and you all are ready for all the ATPL exams you need to write.
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 78
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From: OneDegSouth
Plenty of South African Captains in the sandpit are looking at this opportunity and some have already interviewed. However no contracts have been offered yet. Supposedly they did something similar with Brazilians around 10 years ago.
It's not limited to SAA.
There is a pilot shortage looming and this will open up opportunities all over. I've heard Ryan Air is short of 700 pilots this year so there are plenty of slots available. Hopefully Ryan Air follows through... time will tell.
It's not limited to SAA.
There is a pilot shortage looming and this will open up opportunities all over. I've heard Ryan Air is short of 700 pilots this year so there are plenty of slots available. Hopefully Ryan Air follows through... time will tell.
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 50
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From: Milton Keynes
fyi just posted on LinkedIn
https://image-store.slidesharecdn.com/7c7060eb-002b-48da-810f-935e2ac41103-original.jpeg
https://image-store.slidesharecdn.com/7c7060eb-002b-48da-810f-935e2ac41103-original.jpeg