Where would YOU go? (FD or EK)

[mikehagen]

If today you got invited to join as FO both EK and FlyDubai, which move would you bet on proving wiser?

I'm talking big bicture here, not trying to engage in big widebody jets versus "tiny" 737-800 type of discussions.

On one hand, signals worldwide suggest Low Cost Carriers is today's way to go, not even mention a minuscule upgrade time frame compared to most optimistic estimates at EK. On the other hand EK package exceeds by far FlyDubai's (Provident Fund, Currency Exchange Protection, Adequate Housing, etc).

Anyway, where would you go?

[Instant Hooligan]

EK but i'm biased....!!!

[GoreTex]

provident fund? after 10 years 104k, for sure the EK provident fund is not worth anything

[High 6]

Air Arabia... they seem to be the only ones making money at the moment!!

[Laker]

who is Capt America??

[h3dxb]

@ mensaboy

Could not agree more :yuk:

Laker, THIS is Capt. America :ok:

http://community.post-gazette.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.32/captainamerica.jpg

[Instant Hooligan]

Mensa,
I believe the a$$ raping has already started at FD? Reduction in pay and housing allowance already. I do agree with you though but the choice would still be EK for me. Now if the choice was EK, FD or elsewhere thats entirely different.

[RandyBMC]

Actually, they did not reduce the pay on the guys already on the property, and made it known to those joining what the package was. I agree that it isn't a great move in the early stages of the airline to make a reduction from a culture standpoint, but I would hardly call it a raping of any kind.

[Instant Hooligan]

Never said they did. They have however reduced the package. Correct?
I hate to say it and hope it nevers happens but if the EK trend is anything to go by it's on it's way.

[RandyBMC]

Yes, that is correct, and I think I understood your post. I was saying I thought a reduction that was up front and known was not necessarily a raping. I also think it might be seen as one IF they had made the reduction to those promised differently (and they have not done that).

I have had the unfortunate opportunity to see how badly an airline can turn. I do not see the same signals from flydubai as I have seen in my other experiences. I see very high ranking management who truly believe in the culture they are trying to foster. I also see a willing employee group who wants it to happen. I know from first hand experience that the culture trying to be established is not one of blaming and one of teamwork and positive attitudes.

I would never say I was a "company man" but more of a realist, especially after what I have seen in aviation through my past 15 years flight instructing, flying cargo, flying for regional airlines and flying for the major US airline I am at now. I am not a newbie that chooses to see something that isn't there. There are good things afoot at flydubai, and I would be happy to join there. That comes from my experience during the interview spending time with several of the pilots, both management and line pilots, and the HR crew, and follow ups with several of my friends currently flying at flydubai. I would like to stress that I am not an employee of flydubai yet, and in fact still have not been offered a position (yet I hope). In fact, I need to go to bed, because I have to fly a trip tomorrow for my current airline!

I really have stress the differences I have heard from my friends at EK versus what I have heard from the guys (and girls) at flydubai. They are not the same airline, and I think of the two, flydubai is really doing at least some of the right things (though they are the first to admit that not everything is perfect).

I am very open to constructive information from inside the airline, or specific issues with living in Dubai. Thank you for all of the info you all post to help those on the outside!

Randy

[Saltaire]

I think it's a bit like the difference in Cathay and Dragon air. Do you really want to be flying domestic full time, with no layovers? Not saying it's not a good opportunity, an especially early in the game but EK is still the best ME option, notwithstanding Mensa's reality rant...it is what it is.

BTW, The Captain America thing still cracks me up :D

[Schibulsky]

If FD will not receive traffic rights into India soon, the whole concept failed.
Was already a bit embarrassing to pull the flts to india after all that PR.
At the moment they are flying around the middle east competing with EK.
Does not sound like a sustainable position to me.

[Kittty125]

You're not really comparing like with like.

You will probably get a quicker command with FD but turn-arounds only and the low-cost model are not everyones cup of tea. Goretex's provident fund may only be worth 104K but it's a lot more than you'll get from FD. Sure there are issues at EK but show me an airline where there aren't.

For me, all things considered, EK is the only choice in the ME.

[Sal-e]

Ahem, there's Gulf Air. A most unsung airline in my opinion. Modest growth plans, good conditions, great work environment, without the fake glitz of Dubai, and no DECs.

[PositiveRate876]

For the record the ICAO code for FlyDubai is FZ.
FD is Thai Air Asia.

It all comes down to quality of life. Even if FZ was heaven on earth
some people would not like the long days and nights of turnarounds.

GF may be a good company, but some people could not cope with
not having a roster in advance and not being able to bid for
destinations and days off.

EK maybe trending down in the quality of life department, and it will continue to do so as long as the corporate culture remains the same, but at least it will get you out of the region and to breathable air for half the month.

[CAVnotOK]

For anyone considering EK, FZ, or Air Arabia, surely EY would also have to be in the mix?
If considering anything in the M/E which consists of long nights, and days just doing turn arounds I would much sooner go for EY.

[axialflow]

Air Arabia in ICAO-speak is G9.

[Dixons Cider]

Sal-e
Ahem, there's Gulf Air. A most unsung airline in my opinion. Modest growth plans, good conditions, great work environment, without the fake glitz of Dubai, and no DECs

Jeez Sally, thats a bit thick!
Can't work you out - dunno if you're trying to justify your presence in GF, or if you really believe that twaddle.

[sheikmyarse]

Unless you are desperate, unless your country doesn't exist anymore, unless you are keen on losign all of your human and working rights....

STAY AWAY FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

[skyvan]

As much as we all moan about EK, if you are going to come to the ME, and if you have the choice, then EK is the way to go.

Of course, if you happen to be one of those folk who enjoy the cut and thrust of four sector days, love dealing with passengers on a close level, well then, maybe Flydubai is the place for you.

To each his own, it's easy enough...long haul or short haul, that is your choice.

[puff m'call]

Do Not, Do Not, Do Not join EK. :ugh:

The management are a bunch of two faced lying Ba@tards, all of them from Clarke down.

Stay away, and don't say you have not been warned.

[Duh]

Quote:
Sal-e
Ahem, there's Gulf Air. A most unsung airline in my opinion. Modest growth plans, good conditions, great work environment, without the fake glitz of Dubai, and no DECs
End Quote:
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AND no clue on how to go forward, with or without the new CEO. BTW, they ain't hiring either and might let a few of the newbies go. Depending on how many decide they can't stomach Iraq. :}

[Asianlonghaul]

iT REALLY DEPENDS ON YOUR CIRCUMSTANSES! But I would give both FD & EK a miss. EK have been messing around people who passed the interview well over a year ago and told people they have passed the selection, got their hopes up then moved the goal posts & after a year told some of them they are now not qualified!

If low cost 4 sectors a day is your bag go for Air Arabia. Otherwise go for a company that has money, EY springs to mind but almost no recuitment there till 2011.

That leaves QR, Oman Air, Saudia & Gulf Air. Next it depends if you are a low time F/O or Capt. QR pay the best and take DEC's & low time F/Os, Gulf Air & Oman Air are nicer people, but QR has the new routes and shiney new equipment I am afraid to say it comes down to QR in most cases, they have good staff travel but no pension. Saudi look after their staff & have a pension but do you really want to live in JED? At least in Doha you can go to the pub (or even the disco) for a beer after the flight! Better still as other people say only come to the Middle East if your current job is no good or you have no job.

[lowvaeater]

Currently getting paid less than usd3700 as 744 FO, should I go?

[Bahamapilot]

Hey laker, did you ever fly B727 for laker airways...Looking for Capt. Carlos