Ethiopian or Flydubai?
 

Hello guys, what would you recommend me between Flydubai(737) and Ethiopian( 767 fleet) captain position.

Do you want to live in Dubai or Addis?

Well, it depends hardly what type of flying you enjoy the most: Is it longhaul? Go for Ethiopian.
Is it short/middlehaul with mostly turnarounds and some layovers? Go for FZ.
However, the salary is much better at FZ than with ET and i think Dubai is a 'bit' better to live rather than Addis.
But when it comes to rosters, FZ doesn't sound appealing either.
From my own preference i would take FZ but once again it's very important that you make sure for yourself what type of flying suits you more.
I'm done with the sandpit but there are still people enjoying it there.
Good luck with your decision.

Thanks flyac. I'm looking for a balance decision thinking in quality of life. Fatiguing rosters, city, pay. The idea is going to fly for a period of 5 years and come back to south America for the retirement.( I am 54 )

I'm not a pilot, so I can't comment on the type of flying or the employment conditions of either airline. That said, I've traveled extensively in Ethiopia and the UAE. I like both countries and Addis/Dubai and could easily live in either place. If I had to choose, I'd pick Addis though. MUCH better climate, incredible culture, food, music, and it has that Africa "edge".

There's a big caveat though - Ethiopia is entering a period of uncertainty that hasn't been seen since the dying days of the Derg regime. The government imposed a 6 month state of emergency yesterday. If there were any country in Africa on the knife edge of an "African happy story" or falling into an abyss, it is Ethiopia.

No matter what happens politically in Ethiopia, I do think that the airline will remain strong and on a growth track. The various governments seem to have generally kept their paws off of it's management, even during the period of Communist rule.

Ditto what wabulabantu said !

For my own part, I quit FZ after 7½ years there as an 'A' scale Captain wherein I am now flying in East Africa and loving it !

That said, your mileage may vary.

Thanks Wabulabantu and Old king coal. Please Old king Coal, tell me about how is living, working and saving money in the sandpit. Another concern is that I'm currently flying B767 and the contract in Ethiopian since The B767 I think maximum is going to last maybe a couple of years . I will be going to Ethiopian by myself and conmute to south America, or if I join FZ I'll go with my wife . My kids are flying in USA.

CAP B767: Everything you ever wanted to know about flydubai can be read here, and it's well worth a read.

Wrt living in Dubai: I hated the place, but my wife liked it.
Wrt working in Dubai: You can expect FZ to get the maximum amount of work possible out of you, along with lots of back-of-the-clock flights and a very unsympathetic rostering regime,
Wrt saving money in the sandpit: That very much depends on the lifestyle that you choose to live. With just the two of you there, it's possible (if you live somewhat frugally) to put away a few coins, but do consider carefully that Dubai is in expensive town and if you're not carefully it's easy to burn through the coins.

they have nothing in common.
Eth has a commuting contract, you don't have to live in addis as you do 20 on/10 Off + vacations. If you go to FlyDubay you need to move and live in Dubai.
the aircraft and their employment are completely different, so it's up to you and it's impossibile to give you any suggestion

Thanks Old King Coal.Reading the FZ forum I understand that it is close to slavery flying at nights and minimum rest to the following flight.
I am pretty sure that weather in addis is 100% better and must be green and beautiful although the level of poverty and conditions to live are not desirable.

In a rich country like Dubai you will be the poor man in town.
In a poorer country like Ethiopia you will be a rich man in a poor town on the same income.
Addis is actually quite a nice place.

You could also do Ethiopian and get upgraded to the 78. I've spent time in Addis and Dubai and MUCH prefer Addis. You'll be paying a minimum of $2500 a month rent in Dxb and that's to be paid in advance one year typically for expats. Expect your landlord to raise your rent after 6 months...You won't have the time or energy to go on vacation in Dubai.
Ethiopian will fly you and your family business class to anywhere in their network. If you and the Mrs. want to take your 10 days in Bangkok, no problem, business class all the way. You'll be treated with respect at Ethiopian and at all your destinations. You will be treated like a second tier, low cost airline monkey at FlyDubai. You will be told what to do by Indian dispatchers at FlyDubai. At Ethiopian, you're in charge. Addis is a lot of fun. Dubai is the Paris of the sand box...You'll save more money at Ethiopian. At FlyDubai, your wife will be so bored that you'll find her trying to keep up with all the other pilot Mrs. Thus, no savings. If you want to leave FlyDubai, it will take you 2 months. If you quit FlyDubai after a year, you will owe them $ for training even if you were already typed and current on the 73. If you leave without notice and paying your "debt" to FlyDubai, you will be arrested if u ever return to the UAE. Don't even try to transit through! You'll go to interesting destinations with actual time off to enjoy the exotic locales at Ethiopian. Ethiopians are cooler than Arabs and Indians. Ethiopians don't arrest women if they're raped by a Muslim. Ethiopians don't treat you like a slave. Ethiopians have a rich and vibrant culture. Ethiopians don't hate infidels. Ethiopian women are hot. Ethiopian engineers know all the good bars, clubs and restaurants in all the destinations. Ethiopian engineers will look for the best woman in the country to introduce you to. Ethiopian engineers will watch your back late at night at shady locations they have taken you to. Ethiopians are funny and curious.

4runner: :D:D:D:D:D

Thanks 4Runner.

4Runner 😂😂👋👋
 

I did the tests in Addis last week. DEC767. I must say that I was impressed with the people there. Very very nice. And well organized programme. Beginning my on-line course today.

Will Ethiopian consider anyone who is sim current on the NG but has not flown in the past 24 months?

NGFellow
 

I would write to Helen, [email protected] and ask her if I was you.

they r taking even non type rated on B737NG.

4runner i just want to thank you for your excellent constructive post.
Makes me want to go.
Cheers

Reading all about Ethiopian, I am going to send the application. It looks a good place and company to work. Thanks to all colleagues for the advice.
One last question. I have most than enough experience and hours for the B767 CAP job, but my English is ICAO 4 . Ethiopian will consider me ?
Regards