Qatar Airways or Korean Air

[bluefalcon]

Gentleman of Qatar Airways, or ex QR, Good day to all.

Ive been offered interview on both Korean Air and Qatar Airways on these coming months. My question is (obvoiusly, incase I make it)..which one?
Before giving me your advices, consider the following:
F/O, early 30s, single, with over 3000 hours,

In KAL Im offered the 737. 11 days off a month anywhere in the world. No chance for upgrade ever, life in Korea would be purely focused on work, very strict SOPs, no social life, etc.

In QR most probably the 777. but im not looking in staying there for ever either.

Money wise comes out to the same after computing everything. Im simply looking for the most favourable and enjoyable experience.

Advice from Expats greatly appreciated..

Thanks to all.

[fliion]

QR, because any move might be your last and going anywhere without the potential of upgrade is lacking judgement.

f

[Von Richtofen]

Stay home.

[Capt Krunch]

you just asked this exact question on another thread in the same forum, what is the point of that.. you proud of the fact that you have gotten a interview at 2 airlines for the first time in your life ?? or just think your showing off..

were not impressed boy.


Krunch

[fatbus]

I think his point is to gather info from the mid east(QR) and the far east (KAL) what s the big deal KK

[Northbeach]

Choices: it’s wonderful to have options. And good for you for getting the interviews! I don’t work for either one.

What is your personality type? Where are you going to feel more comfortable? The Asian carrier will probably be much more structured and the leash likely tighter. Does that appeal to you? Their operation will probably run more in a clocklike manner. Socially you may find yourself more segregated.

The Middle Eastern carrier offered the heavier jet, probably has more expats employed making the social scene more open. Where do you want to be in 3/5 or 10 years? Do you want to be possibly looking at a heavy jet upgrade or relegated to your first officer “duties” in the right seat of a 737?

What previous international experience do you have? Did you enjoy it? Go to both interviews educated on the cultural nuances, in as much as you can learn them in the time you have to work with. Let them know you appreciate the opportunity to work for their world-class industry-leading airline. See what you get offered and do what you want.

[Metro man]

As you're sensible enough to realise neither is a true long term option, ask yourself which will leave you in a better position when it's time to move on.

QATAR - Heavy time with possible upgrade
Korean - Medium time with no upgrade

Whilst commuting with Korean may be more attractive than living in Doha, think long term. Unfortunately neither offer an ideal working environment, particularly for an F/O.

BTW Perfectly reasonable of you to ask on two different forums being as each of your airlines is located in a different part of the world. QATAR pilots may not read the Far East forum and vice versa.

[ShirleyNot]

Go to either, get the hours as quick as you can then go to EK.

[captplaystation]

EK ? Maybe not , if you read what people seem to think of them in the Forums here. :=

Of the other two, I have no involvement with either but it strikes me as a no-brainer.
Korean- same aircraft type and size, no command possibility, sparse social life, and maybe you won't have such a laugh at work when you fly with the locals & not the expats ?
Qatar- new type rating on a modern wide body, possibility of command, see the world a bit more while working, probably more social life with other expats.

You could end up hating either or both, but it strikes me at your age & experience the Qatar gig opens up a lot more possibilities for the future.
Even if you like Asian women, I don't know if the guys there are getting much action, easier to have a Philipino (Filipino ?) maid in Doha. ;) otherwise known as a LBFM.

[ShirleyNot]

Yeah have you read what they're writing about Korean and Qatar and everywhere else for that matter, this is Pprune. No upgrade at Korean well EK trumps that, and living in Doha and the QR AAB factor, I think EK trumps that. Just my opinion.

[Mister Geezer]

All depends on how badly you want a command and if you have some previous command experience then perhaps you are not that fussed about spending a while in the RHS?

Both options are not career choices so go for whatever one gives you the best lifestyle. If moving to Doha floats your boat then take Qatar but if you want to stay where you are then take Korean... which is what I would do if given the choice.

[ShockWave]

Go to Doha and get your 777 rating. If you can stomach staying there for a while, get your command and a few LH seat hours then you can go anywhere.
If you don't like Doha leave once your bond is paid out and then go else where. You could always try KAL as an F/O on the 777, you would then get paid more than on the 737 and still be able to commute home.

[bluefalcon]

Thank you for your messages guys :ok:

It is a tough one.
To make it clearer, what Im more worried about is the actual life style, social part. I am not intending in stayiin in either place for long, so Captaincy is a plus but not a must, and the commuting part doesnt seduce me very much from Korea as its almost days away from home, but its a huge plus commuting anywhere in the world too!..

I have a few friends in both places, and from both Im getting the idea that it aint the best gig, but, in Korea it seems that female contact is reduced to - figures, and in QR although scarce, it seems that atleast theres more of a private party social life going on, theres also the beach, etc. flying wise, heard Koreans are everything except fun, dont know if in QR theres mostly locals or is there much more abundance of expat captains...


Thanks for your advices..

[Wangja]

I speak as SLF who has lived in Korea to 10 years and address only that part of the OP's question that I can - social life.

Ex-pat KAL crew seem to be lodged around Incheon airport. There is very little in that area that might appeal to a western ex-pat. That said, the bright lights of Seoul are barely an hour away and there is pretty much anything one might be seeking, if not so up-front as in other Asian cities. There are many international restaurants of good standard, especially in Itaewon. There is a Hash-house harrier chapter, football and rugby clubs if they appeal. In winter, there is skiing not far from Seoul.

Now, perhaps reading too much between the lines, there are also many women who speak tolerable English. (And no, I do not mean ladies of the night, although they of course abound).

The food takes some getting used to. Some never do.

[loc22550]

-Bluefalcon,80% of the population in Qatar is Expats!Total population ..around 1,5 million,40% is..Indian... (.350.000... females only!),don't known how they gone manage this problem in the long term if it continues like that...!

-On the other side don't forget Qatar remain a conservative muslim country(probably the most conservative in the gulf area..),so it's not fun everyday for sure..,expecially during Ramadan(1 month).

-Sure they have a lot of beach..but they have no clue how to make it nice...and clean;compared to dubai,or Muscat,or Abu dhabi..(or they don't want it).You better find a good one(and clean) if you go with your wife or girlfriend,if you don't want to be "harassed" by hundred of desperated single Qataris or indians,....Imagine.. a lady in swim suit here on a beach....!It's like somebody falling from another planet !

[Maverick]

I dont agree with the statement that Qatar is one of the most conservative countries...

It is a moderate country which expects you to respect local culture and has a bright future ahead...

One of the SAFEST countries in today's measures : YES

[notanotherhilton]

You havent been to Kuwait then Loc...spot on as usual:rolleyes:

[Mister Geezer]

One of the SAFEST countries in today's measures : YES

A lot safer than many but I would not say that it is the safest. Remember the car bomb blast in Doha a few years ago? Ok... that is one isolated attack but I am sure there will be some spotty faced fundamentalists out there that do not agree with what is going on at Al Udeid. I would suspect that are other countries in the Gulf that would probably be labelled as less of a terror risk than Qatar.

[loc22550]

Right Nato..haven't been to kuwait so far, but have been to Abu dhabi, Dubai, bahrein, Muscat...:hmm:

[Black Stain]

By typing Blue Falcon your calloused right hand is evident. Given a prescribed moisturizer you will find adequate entertainment in Doha. Paradise is where you make it after all.

[canflystick]

watch out for no human rights in qatar another f/o behind jail on flimsy reason

[charles47]

Try your luck:oh: