A330 / A380 / B777?

[High_To_Low]

Are Emirates still actively hiring onto the A330 fleet or has all attention turned to new recruits being placed on B777 / A380? From the comments in Flight Global it seems the A330/A340 is in the process of slowing being phased out i.e. 2016/2017 as per Wiki (if that is a valid source of data!) therefore with logic prevailing, there should be less of a requirement for A330/A340 drivers?

Not looking to start a war here just interested in where the 2015 400+ recruits will end up.

[Wizofoz]

There is still recruitment onto the 330/340 as pilots are moved off that fleet to crew the A380.

[ironbutt57]

A handful of FO's from here have gone direct 380

[High_To_Low]

Thanks for the mature responses gents, much appreciated.

[atakacs]

What about the 350? I would think it is the "natural" next step?

[Mindififlymanual]

I was recruited on A330 together with most others of my group eventhough we were all flying 320 (we were all approaching the min req for 380 but didnt have them yet) back home. Gives me the chance to fly the machine before it goes and to be home a bit more to blend into dubai with my wife. And yes I hope to go to 380 in three years time (is it 2017 or 2018 its going?)

Before u all shoot me ive done my homework, and i still belive it is a good choice

[fatbus]

I think it's 2017 for the last 330/340. 350 at the current time is off the plan, but things do change rapidly. Remember fleet plan total 280 by the year 2020. currently about 230. 50 x 8(Capt per) =400 new capts by 2020,currently 3800 pilots total. Not including attrition.i'm 13+ years and moved up about 10 numbers.

[ExpatBrat]

I firmly believe that nobody, not even Tim Clark, could tell you the date the 330's will be gone. Nobody knows and all speculation is pointless. Been hearing firm dates from "people who know" for five years now. Five.

Ask at the start of a washup and ask 15 minutes later at the end of it and the answers will be different.

[High_To_Low]

Much appreciated for the responses.

Is the general 'rule' that if you interview as an Airbus driver (all jet time on the bus) but with less than the 3000hr min (for the A380) then you will be placed on the A330 with the idea that you will progress to the A340 then A380 in due course or is it possible to get allocated the B777?

Once you join do you usually stay on the fleet you are allocated at joining I.e Airbus 330/340/380 or Boeing 777 or is there room to bid across types ie airbus to boeing or vise versa? I understand in previous years there was a need for A380 captains and these positions were opened up to B777 drivers but once EK's fleet stabilizes will the general rule you will stay within your allocated aircraft manufacturer from initial joining?

Also, if you get the call for a start and it's not the fleet you desire, is there room to voice this to HR and opt to wait for a future class on the fleet you would prefer or is this a big no no in terms of being black listed or put at the bottom of the pile?

Sorry for all the questions just trying to gather as much information as I can.

[Capn Rex Havoc]

High to Low- I assume as you are from Darwin, and all airbus, you are Jetstar.

Here is the deal- Ek will place you where they need you. Period. Forget about when the 330 is going etc. They still have the 330 - if they need 330 drivers you will go there, especially as you have all airbus time. They can predict ahead 3 weeks max, (even that is doubtful). 330 only f/0s at the moment who are junior to 330/340 FO/s are going to the 380.

I have heard that there is going to be continual commands to the 330 - to the number of 30 or so for the next year. Have also heard a bunch of cadets are to start on the 330, as well as contuinual hiring for the 330 off the street.

If the demise of the 310 is any indication - expect the 330 demise to stretch out a longing time after they are currently saying.

The 350 is not a factor at the moment. (Though someone in the ivory tower knows that deal)

If they need you on the the 777 then so it will be.

[120feet]

I have several friends who were hired years back onto the 777 only to be reassigned to the 330 day on 2 at EK. These friends are now saying FO's they fly with were given 777 or 380 slots, and reassigned to 330 after arriving at EK. I know the first part is true and I believe this bait and switch is still going on. Does it happen to everyone? No, but it still happens. They know 95% of new hires do not want the 330 so they bring them out on the 777 or 380 and then swap them over. And no I do not work at EK so those who do can say I'm wrong, and I won't argue with those in the know.
Best of luck to you. Also I would believe the 330 will go the way of the 310. It will be here for years after it's planned retirement.

[High_To_Low]

Thanks for the information guys!

Capn Rex havoc - Spent some time (well a lot actually!) in Doomadgee myself in GA :} The bakery is about all I miss! :ok:

[Fromagio]

In response to 120feet, I was offered the B777 which I accepted to then be politely asked if I wouldn't mind changing on to the A330 - I said no. There were never any repercussions and I am still flying the B777.

[Iver]

Rumour in the press lately is that TC will announce a deal for either the A350-900/1000 or 787-10 for mid-range flying at the Dubai Airshow in November. Not sure when the actual competition/comparison will begin. It is all speculation. Regardless, it would take awhile for the new aircraft to arrive, so, the A330 would likely stick around for awhile until potential replacement aircraft arrive.

[wishiwasupthere]

Quite timely.

This job on the Australian Federation of Air Pilots website answers that question.

Australian Federation of Air Pilots - Pilot Jobs in Asia Pacific Region (http://www.afap.org.au/Jobs/Latest-Jobs/AFAP-Pilot-Jobs-.asp)

[flareflyer]

That is something interesting........
The HR lady said that they have plenty of applications so no need of roadshows........
Ah.......i understand now........they are not roadshows....they are informative sessions..........
Such a bunch of liers............. they really don't know anymore what shame is........:ugh::ugh: