Air Asia Malaysia

[freightdriver]

Any information regarding the on going recruitment at Air Asia is appreciated. Few questions: Are they hiring expat pilots now? what is pay like and schedules?

Those fancy baseball cap (red) really looks good on the web site, not to mention the lovely ladies in red.... hi hi hi:ok:

Ok look forward to your inputs and comments?

Cargo rat aka Freightdriver

[Goldwing2000]

Hi Cargo Rat, the situation at AirAsia at the moment is one of constant recruitment. The airline is expanding at a great speed and before too long Malaysia is going to run out of qualified pilots. The cadet pilots are, I believe going to be starting training next month but it will take at least 15 months or so barring retakes and so forth before AA can consider them. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that there's going to be a shortage somewhere amongst the F/O's and Capt and from what I hear and this is coming direct from the horses mouth AA will be prepared to take expats. So chaps if you're ready for a ride on one of the fastest growing airline in the world then get your CV's prime and ready cos I reckon in the next 6 months or so there's going to be a need.

Goldwing2000

[cpt744]

Hmmm... Good news but just wondering why AirAsia management hasn't considered the ample supply of great chaps of fellow FOs( all Malaysians of different races with excellent aptitude and attitude) from SQ who are just waiting for a chance for a decent pay(guys here with 6-7years seniority are getting about RM16K/mth with provident fund included) with immediate chance for command. I think some adjustment of pay upwards from AirAsia for their Capts will do it, at least according to some of the FOs that I know. Right now AA's pay of approx RM10K/mth(I stand corrected..) for their Capts won't really do much to attract this group of pilots I reckon.

[1US$ approx 1.7SGD approx 3.8RM]

I personally think it's a steal of century for AA since SQ already done most of the training and groomed them to be experienced operators and moreover they don't know how to treat their pilots with some respect. And at 7year the guys will have just finished their bond with SQ, a one year on RHS on the 737 and follow by command will definitely have certain attraction to them.

As for the rest, all the best in your pursue with this shinny new carrier...

[bfd777]

Here is something I heard from another pilot. It may not be accurate. If it is please correct me.

Air Asia recruits low time pilots as F/O and after simulater training make them sign a bond for 5 years or RM65k if they decide to quit during the period. Experienced new hire pilots are offered Rm3500/month plus flight pay of Rm75/hr. With a maximum 90hrs/month total take home pay would be around Rm7k, after deduction of pension etc.
Does that sound correct?

[9M_JON]

1st and foremost, the business model of AA is that of a budjet & no frills airline.That is why it is making money & expanding in the 1st place.So attracting Capt's & FO's looking for a more attractive package or adjusting their pay upwards would not be a top priority especially if they can still get pilots.However, they are expanding and by 2005 their fleet will grow from the present 7 to about 18 737s and they do need pilots.

So they do attract low hours and obviously non type rated FO's. DEC requires a minimum of 4000H total with at least 1000jet or heavy turbo props(ex AF?). So they will pay for your type rating and you will have to pay it back by montly deductions which will take years.Surprisingly DEC are not required to do so.

Take home pay is in the region of RM 6K for F0 & RM 10K Capt.Relatively this is decent pay in Malaysia.The days of paying expats & benefits are probably over.There are no night stops,again this is to save AA money.According to CEO Tony Fernandez, if you are dreaming of flying a widebody on AA,you can forget about it.Business model is for a single type with fast turn around time and this means sticking to 737.

So it is a bit of a win win situation: if you are a low hours FO,you get to built up hours fast an you get paid for it and maybe you'll seek greener pasture after your payments & bonding are over or stay to go LHS which will definitely be faster than in MAS. AA get to employ cheap FO as a result. As for Capts, most of them prefers to be home at night and not seeking for the long haul frequent nite stops sort of flying.

So depending on where you stand and what you seek,AA may be just the kind of place you are looking for.Remember that there's always potential in a profitable and dynamic company like AA.Cheers all.

[I-Fly-River]

Hey Guys,
How long does it take to get command on 737 in AirAsia? How's lifestyle in that airline? Just curious,.by the way, does anybody know bout the selection and interview process for AirAsia? The stages and stuff like that... Any pilots in there....??



When the weather turns bad, I-Fly-River(IFR)!!

[Slasher]

if you are dreaming of flying a widebody on AA, you can forget about it.

I remember last year crossin paths (I think at KL) with an Air Asia 747 classic. Too far away to read the rego. Is it AAs or x-hired?

[9M_JON]

I remember last year crossin paths (I think at KL) with an Air Asia 747 classic.

From staronline dated 21 Oct 2003:
~Fernandes said the carrier, which started with only two Boeing 737 aircraft two years ago, would take delivery of a leased aircraft - the eighth in its fleet - by the end of the week.

He said the company was projecting for a 3.4 million passenger load in the financial year ending June 2004, up from 1.4 million a year ago.

“In the first quarter to September, we recorded a load factor of 84% and nearly 99% in October,” he added

I am operating in the region and cross paths almost everyday in KL and can tell you that AA don't operate 747 classic.I'd be in the queue for a position if it did.

[PILOST]

Slasher's eyesight isn't failing him, it was indeed an AA 747 classic. :p

The a/c was wet leased for the Haj charter when AA was handling the Haj contract.Unfortunately for AA, MH has won the rights to operate the next 3 season of Haj, starting this year.

As a point of interest, even though AA's pilots salary is lower than MH, they have been giving out good profit sharing bonuses, which would offset for the differences in the pay.

Fly safe all!

:cool:
PILOST

[Slasher]

Yeh Pilost Ive heard news off the grape-vine on how A.A. up the low pay by paying profit-sharing bonuses to staff. Latest Ive been told was 6 months is expected in 2003? Thats not bad realy.

And yeh I thought that 747 classic in A.A. livery may be a x-hire, but havin vacated 32L at KL at the time when he was way over the other side taxeying for 32R I couldnt see the rego.

[QNH1013]

The 747's were leased from EAL. British flight crew and local cabin crew operated it. There are no plans for widebody for the company. Just more 737's at the moment. For local pilots it is a good opportunity, but Expats are not being hired yet. That should change soon as demand increases but most probably rated crew will be wanted. But aviation is fluid so nothing is confirmed for sure. Hopefully expansion continues as planned. Anything more than one months bonus will definitely be a bonous but 6 months is wishfull thinking and unrealistic for a young growing company. Air Asia needs the profit funds for ongoing aircraft aquisition and for improving the quality of thier product. Then with that they hope to make even bigger and better priofits to share in the future. Things are good here and though they will need pilots, they just won't take anybody. Quality crews are wanted in line with the Air Asia culture. Good Luck to those applying.

[The Rage]

I wouldnt really say that theres all that amount of quality in AA especially when most of the operators there are new to airline flying and let alone the 737, they do have a few ex mas retirees who are good, and so are a few more from ex pelangi and all, but i do have my doubts about the ones from the forces, since over a few beers i have heard some stories about training and the style of training, very military. Thats not good for civil flying.
One incident is all its going to take to close the airline down.

[bateman]

As far as the low cost carriers in the UK go, you can take easyJet and shove it straight up your ***. Id take Air Asia on half the pay anyday. At least you would have a kickass lifestyle. Down at Bangsar 3 times a week. Staggering from Hard Rock, up the Jalan Sultan Ismail to the sheraton every weekend. Fantastic. Where do I sign up? Somebody save me from Europe!!

No more about Kuala Lumpur I beg you..... I cry myself to sleep at least once a week thinking about that life .... and here I am scraping the frost of my car at 6am before heading for london. What am I doing????

[Sultan Ismail]

Thank you Bateman

just step out of the apartment, walk across the road, takes about 8 minutes, and yes, here is the Hard Rock.

So you know what you have to do...

[Sick Squid]

The thing about profit share is it always has strings attached, and they are never strings that can be strummed in the employees favour. If you are thinking about taking a job that has a large profit share element, it is imperative that you seek out the breakdown of how that will be paid, and the equation that will be used to work out the level of "profit"... operators the World over are not averse to having a profit share element that SEEMS to be very beneficial for employees, and indeed will be, but will have a backdoor way out if they THINK the next year will be tough. I think of a Cucumber-sandwich type tail colour scheme here, and speak from experience pre-B scales.

[9M_JON]

The Rage i have heard some stories about training and the style of training, very military. Thats not good for civil flying. Care to elaborate? So the SQ that took off the wrong runway, were military trained then were they?

That's an unprofessional remark and probably hint that you have an inferiority complex.These ex military aviators are trained above and beyond airline flying & the aircrafts that they fly are probably better equipped than some 737.

When the **** hits the ceiling,Captain incapicitated,AP out,foul weather into non precison airfied.I 'd rather have an ex mil who have more hand flown hours sitting on the RHS. Or if you are captain in abnormal/emergency who'd you'd rather rely on. A greenhorn with little or no SA or a seasoned flyer who can perform under stress.

They are hardworking disclipined and humble.That's probably why you don't even know that they are ex mil.They are also professional enough to maintain a low profile eventhough they are more experienced and probably are better aviators than some LHS.I hope some of your doubts are removed.

You are right though to say that only one incident is all it takes.So if you have a chance,ask who AA prefers?

[The Rage]

9M-JON, i dont know what sort of aviation back ground u might come from, but the guys who have been trained locally have had problems adjusting to civilian flying here locally. I do admit, i myself have been trained by some of the best military pilots in the world and admired them for their skills, but what happens back home is a different culture among these gallant men. The culture in the asian military is very evident, lets have a look at korean, asiana, china, Sq, mh and even garuda. These are all airlines who have had major problems in relation to CRM.
Old school of thought that has been brought into the airline culture, where i am the captain and u dont touch anything till i say so. We are all trained professionaly as airline pilots but we do not need these sort of flying attitudes in civilian flying. These are what causes crashes and incidents.

[MAStake]

I have been flying with MH for quite a number of years. The only time I encountered lack of CRM was when I flew with ex-military pilots.

[cpt744]

I'm sure all of us can come out with all sort of personal claims and assertions regarding good and bad CRM experiences with both ex-military or ab-initial... Here's mine..

I have 2 separate cases where I had flown with one old timer Captain with no military background of which flight I nearly off-loaded myself and the other with a humble ex-airforce young lad that impressed me most with his profound knowlegde in his operations and provided one of best supports ever...

How much would you believe me and can we ever come to a conclusion or a definite answer regarding this issue??

Let's not get into an infinite useless discussions and bashing of any sides as you and I know it's utterly irrelevant to do so and I think it's entirely up to the individual's behaviour when it comes to deciding what sort of background makes the best commercial airline pilots.. it depends on how much he/she understands "teamwork" overall in the flight deck and enforcing "command"(if he/she is a Capt) qualities when situation calls for it.

Cheers to all. :D

[Slasher]

9M-JON until your called "a bloodey useless bucket of maggot ****" during your 1st and subsequant line-training flight and abused right up till (and during) your line check youll never know whats its realy like bein trained military-style.

While AF trainees are considered dirtbags by there superiors until they have proven themselves, fortunatley this thinking evolved into extinction within civil circles. It doesnt take a high IQ to realise each sim/line training exercise decreases in value if your made to feel like complete dog**** every time you strap into the seat. And such methods merely extend the training required of the trainee (hes too scared to ask questions!) which has no place in cost-conscous airlines. Mind you AFTER youve passed your AF-style LT the ensueing p!ssup can be legendary! ;)

But if your an experienced driver wantin a full and thorough aerobatic course then an AF instructor is the only way to go. :ok:

[QNH1013]

Ex Military ideology can pose a problem for commercial flying and operations. And I must admit we have had some clash of opinions at AK because of this. However everyone is streamlined before they go line flying with company inductions and CRM for everyone and especially for the pilots and you are expected 'to get the message'. We have a CHIRP system in place to keep these things in check. It is a small aviation world here too so reputations and attitudes are known even beofre you have your interview here especially if you are ex military. Personally, I haven't had any problem. New recruits are not trainied as if it were the air force, even by ex military instructors. We're all nice guys :O (I'm not ex airforce myself btw. From flying school only)

bateman. what is your flying experience? It's Bangsar more than 3 times a week for me! Good place, good food and eye candy too. Hartamas is picking up too so check it out :ok:

As for the remark on the quality of our crew, it's an ongoing effort to better oneself. I have seen vast improvement from the old Air Asia days under DRB hicom before the transformation to a low cost carrier. We ARE safe, and we want to be even better. It's attitude that counts. As with any airline, quality is always a work in progress. Not to boast, but a survey safety audit by Boeing gave Air Asia very impressive results on it's safety and operations. That of course doesnt mean there is never more to learn.

[bateman]

QNH1013,

Im currently a saab captain, with about 2900TT. Sent AA a CV about 6 months ago, but no response. Will send them another once I get my 500 PIC on the saab, and my 3000 hours.

In regards to the KL antics. One of my mates from uni is the director of finance for sheraton asia, based at the imperial in KL. So every 6 months or so, I have a week stopover on my way back home, and he gets me a room at the imperial... nice hotel.

I have some vague memories of staggering out of Beachclub, and ending up at some dodgy place called 'after 5', which really wouldnt bear close scrutiny. But I did manage to make it up to Bangsar one night they had the street markets on.... fantastic food and atmosphere.

If you have any ideas on the best way to get noticed at AA, send them all along. Im desperate to get back to asia, and malaysia would be perfect.

In regards to eye candy. I found the best spot is the outside tables at the coffee shop on about the 3rd level of KLCC. Sip latte and watch the talent go by...

cheers
Bate

[kwaiyai]

Hey Bateman,
If you need a place to crash when you get to AA give me a call.
XUK PILOT

[Jet Joc]

hello folks!!
Does Air Malaysia appove of FAA or ICAO straight in? if not, how would convert to Malaysian licence?
Your input would be appreciated.


Joc
:ok:

[9M_JON]

Jet Joc

Head over to some earlier threads below,hope it ll help.



http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101680

[bateman]

kwaiyai - Thanks mate, next time Im in KL Ill let you know. I think Ive still got half a bottle of JD with my name on it at Bar Flam. (I think that was the name of the place???.... its all a bit hazy).

jet joc - have a look at the Malaysian CAA website
www.dca.gov.my
there is an english language section, with a bit on how to convert licences. Looks like a nightmare.

Bate

[swellblue]

I know this question has been asked a few times already,BUT..

Have any of the expat pilots who have applied, had a reply sent back to them? If so what was the answer? ie. was there a positive reply to possible future emplyment..

Also are they only accepting C.V.s via email?

[Goldwing2000]

For all you expats with at least 500 hrs on the 737-300 or it's variants come on down the time is right. AA is looking for extra pilots to complement it's growing fleet of aircrafts. As predicted the surplus Malaysian pilots is beginning to dwindle to a trickle so it's time that AA starts looking elsewhere.
If you have the right attitude and commitment and Malaysia is the place that you want to spend the next few years at, then here's the opportunity.
Good luck to all that apply!:ok:

Goldwing2000

[kwaiyai]

Hi Bateman,
A message awaits you in your PM's hope it helps.:cool:

[bfd777]

Anyone care to shed light on the typical schedule? Are routes bid or assigned? I understand domicile is KUL. Does anyone commute? Would it be feasible to live near BKI and have a crash pad near KUL?

Cheers!

[Goldwing2000]

BFD777
Basically the schedules are split between morning and afternoon departures. The morning departures all leave from 7:00-7:30 while afternoon departures leave anywhere from 13:00-15:00.
If you work the in the morning expect to be back around 13:00 while the afternoon slots will get you back late evening.
It's feasible to live in BKI and have a crash pad in KL but don't expect too much time off after starting line flying. The airline is expanding in a big way and with the new hub in Johor opening up there won't be too much free time.
Commuting to and from the airport is a slight pain in the behind though. Some drive to work while others take the excellent train which gives staff discount. The train runs from 05:30 till 01:00 and beats taking the car after a long day!
Hope this helps.

Goldwing2000

[fhchiang]

i think... air asia has good future prospect......


i foresee in the next 5 year...

their fleet may grow to more than... 60 planes or so.. on their current rate.......


it's good for unexperienced pilots actually....


...they don't require heavy hours.......


well... RM 7k is quite good pay for a newbie...

and in malaysia... u can live a above average life with rm7k per month.........


also... just consider it's expansion too...... when it gets bigger......

i believe captain and f/o's pay would be increased when they're in a good position.......


now.. MAS.... is about to give up half of their domestic traffic.....

which will be replaced by Air Asia's fleet...

[wv4175]

fhchiang..
a point to note here in malaysia...DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT U READ IN THE NEWSPAPERS......do u honestly think mas is going to give up their domstic routes that easily?

There is a lot of pride involved and t i honestly do not think it will be that easy...we will just have to wait and see, also in the news recently, there is talk bout making subang airport the low cost hub of malaysia......what are your thoughts on that? Do u think it will happen? Well, if it actually does materialise, well done for all as it is good for many travellers, simply to the easier access and shorter distance to travel as compared to klia.

Will have to just wait and see and hope for the best.....

fly safe guys...and gals:cool: