Solenta Aviation

[AK747]

Hello boys and girls,
I need some info on the terms and conditions and recruitment with Solenta Aviation.
Searched PPrune but only found old info. I’m ATR rated and looking for a job. Also emailed the CP Andre White but no answer. Had a look on their website but that didn’t answer my questions.

Does anyone know if terms and conditions have improved, there was talk about security issues and pay being real low?
Wanted to know some inside info before I give them a call….

Thanks for your help.

[SebasW]

Hi AK747,

It is a known fact that Solenta doesn't pay great but apart from that it's a great company to work for....

Not too sure what the terms and conditions and all that legal stuss are concerning the ATR but the flying is great, very high standard, excellent accomadation at all their bases and very high training standard.

Solenta is really a good company on the flying side, the DHL contract is a very constant and scheduled operation and it's a very good reference on your CV.

Just be prepared to cut down a little on the unnecesary expenses! :ok:

[Airforce1]

AK747
Terms and Conditions..., well nothing changed on the rating side, you pay, as you already have rating you will prob just need a refresher. They will prob only take you if you have an ATP as Solenta goes through a lot of crew in a year. The Skippers do tend to leave soon after getting 500hrs PIC as there is nothing more to aspire in the company-N0 B727's or anything to go onto after that. 2 months on, 1 month off. Bases still in Abidjan, Lome and Libreville. Avg -650hrs a year.

Solenta remains good company and in last few months have jacked up the operations in their JHB HQ thanks to receiving a few ex- Rossair office staff. Pay on time, training good. Don't expect an airline but compared to the contract world, it is reasonable. But there is still a large association gap between the management/office personal in JHB and the hard working crew in the field. This in a way keeps the comradery between the crew in the field, but most companies seem to have similar problems. Solenta’s main client on the ATR's being the most difficult aspect of the job!

The bases have been jacked up on security now (Abidjan and now Libreville). But Abidjan and Lome have very few expats citizens left after recent violence in both countries, so hope you get a good crew at your base. The bases are well equipped, internet/dstv/cooks/maids, all you will have to pay for is booze, food, and smokes.
Salary is not bad for a senior captain, especially if you been with the company for 2 years, but you still will clear very little while not on contract-so make that nest egg. Overall looking over 12 months your salary will be adequate but with the weak rand you will earn the same on a local airline for lesser ranked position. So not like 6 years ago when going on contract meant you were earning up to three times more than your local counterparts.

Solenta are always gonna need crew, in the last few months they have recruited a lot of new guys which may suspend recruitment of F/O's but if you already have an ATP/If you got some ATR experience and of direct entry Captain caliber- then may be worth your while to apply. As for this advice-you have not mentioned where you coming from, “ you looking for a job”. If you are jobless then would try...if you have a nice house at home, with a family, much experience and flying locally with a strong rand and not trying to build hours....then...........
its up to you!
:confused: