320 Charter Command V 330 ME stability..

[AlgerianONE]

Hello all,
I'm looking for some advice or any input/similar experiences regarding whether to stay in the company I'm working (Asian Charter with mixed fleet, been offered a command course shortly on the 320 with no implemented bond & I've relatively low hours 3,000+.) or to join the likely 330 fleet of the biggest UAE airline.
Has anyone given up a command to join a bigger company with the stability it offers? Anyone regret it or have had no regrets at all?
For me stability is important as I've got kids, however being "home" and having been offered this opportunity is tempting, although the company is somewhat small and as with many charter companies, unpredictable.

Pretty confusing situation or is it black and white?

Any input welcome & thank you very much
AG1

[dubaigong]

AlgerianONE,

It is always a difficult choice to do BUT nobody else than you can make it and it is a very personal one.
Becoming a captain is very important in a pilot career and you never know when the next opportunity will come.
If you loose you job and are a Captain it could be easier to find another job even as first officer.
The salary of a Captain is usually higher than the one of a first officer , so it is also one element to look at when making your mind.
Don't forget that the ME is becoming less and less stable and in history we have seen ( in the USA and in Europe at least ) big well established companies going bust while small charter airlines have survived...
Your age has also to be taken into account as in some companies there are age limits to join as a first officer so if you stay too long on the right seat you may not be able to find a job later on.
This is just some elements for you to think of before making your decision.
Wish you to be wise and take the right decision.

[CaptainProp]

Take the command at your current company and then later, if you still want to live and work in the ME, try to join the airline that can't be mentioned as a direct entry captain.

CP

[migair54]

no doubt.

Captain then if you want you go somewhere else as a captain. But as long as you can stay home. don´t think that middle east carriers are so great as they try to show people, you just need to go and do some research in the foros here.

Good luck.

[TwoTone-7]

In your position I would take the command.

Given your age, in the Middle East. Especially the time to command at the airline you mention has only been going up and up to that of almost legacy carriers.
The Middle East is certainly not the best place to live. I think everyday you come across small complications which makes one realise this.
For children there is a lack of activities, compared to ones home country. Quality of schooling does not compare to back home either.

If the A320 command gives you time at home working for a relaxed outfit on a similar pay package to that of an ME FO with no 3-4 year bond as found with ME carriers then I would take the A320 command any day. After 2 years of flying the A320 as captain, your future is pretty much secure in terms of finding work elsewhere should things go wrong. As well as being able to consider joining two of the ME carriers as DEC in the future.

Good luck! : )

[7Q Off]

Take the a320 command. After 2 or 3 years you will be able to move to the ME but as captain if you really want.

[FUSE PLUG]

Take the command.

You will be at EK for a very long time as an FO. I've heard from a few sources now that time to command is upwards of 10 years. That means you will be a 53 year old FO. When you do upgrade here you will only have 11 full years of command pay. If you stay at home you will have double that... It is a no brainer if you ask me. Stay and enjoy your command, your home country, and don't uproot your family.

It is a mistake to come and work in the ME unless circumstances force you to.

[AlgerianONE]

Thanks to all of you for your very honest and forthcoming opinions ! It's very hard choice to make when you're the "breadwinner". I started aviation later in a career change, and it's good to hear an honest opinion/fact on the time to command in EK.
Thanks all again!
AG1