Nakheel Aviation - Dubai
 

Anyone got any info on Nakheel Aviation?
Looks like they are operating at least Legacy, GEX and Lear 60...

Started operations during spring 2006.

They also operate a G-IV.

Legacys are A6-NKL and A6-DPW

Global is a 5000.

Very interesting radio interview with Managing Director Horm Irani here :
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidDE070605071409703431

Fly Vip
 

:confused:.....and you get your info from...where?:sad:

VTSP
chinny

details please
 

Don't open mouth, unless able to quantify.
windy.

FLYVIP Is Spot On
 

Not sure where FLYVIP received his info but I heard and can confirm the same. WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS FIRE.

I sent in a CV and spoke to the training manager. Just after speaking to the training manager, I decided not to pursue a career with them. He seemed very dispondent and sounded like he had not much enthusiasm in the company. Scary as he is the training manager.

Its a pity as the aircraft they have are nice and if managed properly it could be a great company to work for. Especially with the financial backing they have.

After researching the company and management I later found out that this training manager and the MD both used to work for Execujet. I do wonder what the story is there.

Bet you can eat your words now WINDY (itswindyout)

approachecks, it's very difficult to believe you as you seem to have registered to post about Nakheel.
You could also be FlyVIP...

OK then what else do you want to know? To be honest. its been such a long time since I have been on here that using my old username, it would not allow me to reply.
I feel there is so much moaning on here. But wanted to reply as have been there and done it and FLYVIP is not wrong. Maybe the truth hurts? You tell me?:=

approachchecks
 

Salaries
 

I think you are right there Chinny (regarding salaries) but I think a huge factor in salaries/contracts in Dubai is the continously rising cost of renting accommodation.(except Emirates for obvious reasons):ugh:

If I remember correctly Nakheel was offering AED120 000 (£16100.00) per year for housing allowance. If you have a family and require a 3 bedroom house, I challenge you to go look in the papers or the internet for suitable housing. I will be amazed if you find anything available. Unless you are willing to go live in Abu Dhabi or Sharjai. Not great for any "AD HOC" charters though.

I think that if they kept their allowance in proportion to the cost of renting then maybe there would be more crew keen to make the move to Dubai. I am sure unless this happens then anybody who has done abit of homework, will see that there are better places to go and that it is not worth the energy making the move to Dubai. Until that happens, I am staying away.:ok:

I know a crew member(corporate captain) who moved to Dubai to continue his career until he retired. At the moment he is dipping into his savings to make ends meet. His salary does not cover his overheads and I can assure you that he does not lead any extravagent lifestyle. He has a family of 4.
The rent is what is doing most of the damage.

Well I am sure there are more people, in Dubai, that fly in the corporate market and if they are honest they would agree on this.

Lets see?

AC

One other thing regarding the ex member from EJME that I spoke with.

As a training manager, you would not expect him to be bad mouthing the company or crew that he works with. Very unprofessional?:=Especially to potentially new crew.
If the training manager feels like that then obviously there must be some sort of problem there. Who knows? Could be a touchy subject.:hmm:

AC

Do you have contact for Nakheel aviation, thanks

I would really like to know where you guys get your info from, have any of you spoken to anyone that works at Nakheel? If not, don't make comments on anthing that is not fact based!

What the hell
 

Magic123,:ugh:

Hear me now.

I do not write on here often, but let me tell you something, when I do, I only tell whats true.

Not only have I applied and spoken to the people concerned, I have info from the horses mouth. If you want to give it a go, then go ahead, but I can assure you that 2 months down the line you will regret it just like the others have.

Lets wait and see. I dare you

No need to get angry
 

Approachchecks,

I was not implying that you were lying, what I ment was, for example, "I spoke to a Captain at Nakheel, or I spoke to the Director of Operations" ect.

You can expect teething problems with any new company, seeing that the Aviation part of Nakheel only started up in 2006, any expanding company is not the easiest to manage, don't always blame management for personal problems. Management has to look after the company as well as their personnel, if the company does not make the grade, there will be no jobs, and no jobs mean no salaries.

If you want to fly for a proper salary, you must have the qualifications, the hours, ect, as well as the personality for the job. Why do you think any company has a interview process? You must also be willing to start at the bottom if it is req and work your way up.

Corporate flying is also very unpredictable, so if you want a stable job with a roster for the month, then join an airline. There are lots of airlines in the world that pay very well, more spesific the far east airlines.

Don't ever think that companies do not check out this website, bad mouthing companies can be very damaging to your flying carreer, aviation is a very small world.

Lastly, flying should first and foremost be fun, it's our passion. Companies and salaries should not be the first consideration when applying for jobs, but the fun behind what we will be flying, even if it is a Cessna 150.

The correct company and salary will come along sooner or later.

Magic123
 

Why am I not surprised.
 

Well for those replying to these threads and saying Nakheel is not bad and asking where people get there information from, I have been informed that the MD resigned.:D About time.

So now surely this must say something? For those of you saying its not bad, well I guess you were wrong.
We did some research and also found out this MD is partnership in another business.... aircraft sales so I wonder which company some of their aircraft was bought through??? Makes you think doesn't it.:hmm::hmm::hmm:

If I were running an aviation company the last pilots I'd trust or want to hire would be those happily willing to work for peanuts and say it's raining when I pi$$ed on 'em.

A good company is unaffected by rumormongering from outsiders, and it's own employees will stand up for it.

I've always believed that if you're accepting a paycheck from an employer, good or bad, you should keep your whinging "in school" until you leave. After that, anything's fair game.

If a company dismissed a current employee found bad-mouthing the company to the public that's understandable.

A company concerned about outsiders who are doing it is pathetic.

Nakheel Aviaton
 

Nakheel advertised for pilots recently. Has anyone had the courtesy of a reply? I applied, met all their requirements, and even had a valid and current UAE ATPL, endorsed with one of their types, but still no reply.
Tempilot

No reply either, I am current on two of the types they operate and could have been avaiable 1st September, but not even a reply to say they received the application !! Maybe there are so many type rated and current GLEX pilots around they don't need us !

160,000 aed housing per annum
 

Is a typical UAE aviation rate at the present.

It does not buy much in Dubai, but should we expect the sum to pay all out housing costs, or should we call it what they call it and as "allowance" towards housing.

Outside Dubai ( North) the cost of a 3 bed rented villa is less than 100,000 Aed, per annum, this often includes pool etc, etc.

glf

Recent news
 

Apparently since their MD resigned (:D) there has been a new guy that has come in to sort the company out. I have heard a few things that has gone on since he left. Probably the worst thing is that this MD might not be leaving after all. That could be the worst news for the employees. I do think this new guy could turn things around. The previous MD probably had no interest in the crews well being hence the unhappy crew.

Read 2 replies to this link about not hearing from them after sending cv's etc. To be honest it does not surprise me one bit. Their training manager is useless and spoke to him myself on the phone. :ugh:
Maybe he should go with the MD. Again maybe thats why they are ex EJ employees.
Now I can see why.

App Cx's
 

Apply to GF or EY, we hear that they have the best pay packages in the Gulf Region these days... :ouch:

approachchecks,

The info you give out strongly suggests you work in the company. Why be unhappy and drag it through the dirt, including specific people. If you dont like it, why not move elsewhere? It would benefit everyone involved. I dont mean any disrespect, just some companies work for certain people and some don t . Maybe airline environment would suit you better. Maybe worth a try :)

In the meanwhile happy flying and I think you could be a lot worse off than being with Nakheel.

m-e flyer
 

Trust me, if I was offered the plane at the end of the job, I would not be working there. I just reply to this thread with what I have heard via Nakheel when I was in touch with them and other information from people at airports to where they have flown. EG handling agents etc.

An airline is not for me either. I have been in the corporate sector my whole career and love it. I just feel sorry for the guys who love their job but dont enjoy it due to their employer, thats all my friend. It is just unfortunate that Nakheel falls into one of those categories.

Thanks for the advice anyway but I would never leave my current employer, we are looked after far to well.:) I am very grateful that I did not accept employment with them.

Happy Landings.;)

soooo, approachchecks, if you are so happy with your current employer that you would not resign

"but I would never leave my current employer, we are looked after far to well"

then why would you apply in the first place?
I'm all for a persons perspective on a company, good or bad, but you raise all this sh1t about a company, apply, get pissed off with their 'ways' and then simply claim that you are way too happy where you are. I dont get it. Maybe you dont fly enough and are bored? I dont know, but your tactics do seem odd to me.

What if the company was perfect and they did offer you the job, would you have still turned then down?? Gives me the impression you are trying to waste peoples time.

I'm all for keeping an eye open on the market and on the job boards, but I'd never apply unless I truly intended on leaving my current employer.

JoeCo
 

If it's keeping you awake at night and you really want know, a fellow pilot sent them a CV. Once in touch with them he said he knew of 2 crew that might be interested. He was one and I was the other.
Just because you on diet, it does not mean you cant look at the menu.:=

Where is the harm in seeing what they have to offer, who knows it could have been better than I currently have. Unfortunately it wasn't better and have since met and spoken to people who have told me alot about what has been happening there.
I am just giving out all info so people dont make a mistake when taking on employment by Nakheel.

If this is such a bad thing, then why does anyone write on this forum.

Sleep tight.;)

Hell man, I'm always looking at the menu!!

I got caught out once. Thought I was employed 'forever' but got laid off and I wasnt prepared for it. Had no idea what was out there and was basically standing there, flight bag in hand and no where to go. So I'm all for keeping an eye on the market/industry. Hell, with this industry, it should be a requirement to be taught that in flight school!

Thing is that I thought good things were happening at Nakeel. It is somewhat surprising to hear otherwise. However, as it does seem to be so typical of the Middle East, good companies are hard to find. Things always seem to look rosey from the outside, until your in for long enough to realize what the inside looks like?!!?

Its good to see new companies coming into the market, but with this current trend and like Chinny said, in this region its a garranty that the moral and ambition will eventually get beaten out of you.

Anyhow, for those who do apply, good luck. I hope approachchecks is wrong about the future of Nakheel Aviation.

JoeCo
 

Thanks for the reply.

To be honest, I hope I am wrong about Nakheel. But from my experience when I was in touch with them as well as the info I received from fellow colleague who applied, it is not good on the inside. My colleague was given some dodgy info from their training manager, as stated in some earlier replies. Makes me wonder :ugh:

Maybe things will change now the MD has gone and the company might realise how important crew are. If you have a great team then maybe they should look after them as they will probably bend over backwards to help out when in trouble. I know this from my current company. I would go out of my way to help out operations etc. I should though as they look after us.

At the end of the day it might be a great company to work for but think not for the moment.
I wish some Nakheel crew would reply to some of these remarks. Not sure if any have but by looking at some of the replies, maybe not.

Come on guys give us some inside truths about this company?

Nahkeel and Middle East biz
 

The Md was ex Execujet MD
then Aircharter broker company employee in Jebel Ali
then sold a 1983 Citation III to guy in Dubai that was $400,000 over priced. The aircrafrt was t return to Dubai and go straight into charter but the guy was fired from his aircharter employer and the poor owner had no home for the aircraft to go

He then got the contract for Nahkeel " under a new company he started" How do I know, I bid of the contract

Nahkeel then asked him to get them their own AOC
he did not pocess the ability to do this so he subcontracted a stand up guy to do it for $90,000. After the AOC was finished, he then paid the stand uo guy onl $45,000 for his own check account ????? not from Nahkeel??????? I told Nahkeel that this guy would sooner or later **** in his own nest with them and two years later he is leaving.

Nahkeel got rid of a bad apple!!!!!!!!!!!!and maybe have a few more to go. Remember the Arab way is to sorround yourself with people so no one can get to you you can bet that apple employed some people that present a mirror image of himself.

Bottom line also with salaries, they came from the the ones orignial set up by that MD and the owners are just following suit.

I lived in the sand box Saudi ) for 10 years and assure you that the UAE people think Dubai is a fantastic place to live. I was making big money in Sauid and had everything supplied. Most guys there now are all on rotating rosters because the Saudis know 150% NO ONE WANTS TO COME THERE. The UAE people are starting to be shocked form Emirates to the Royal flight and charter cmpanies that people outside of the Gulf will only come on a rostered time off bases. I saw it ion Saudi and it will happen here. The local currency tied to the USD is also killing the salaries offered and no one form Europe can afford to work here anymore.

The area is booming for sure but like we said in Saudi, if you going to live in this hell hole, at leats get big bucks.............. UAE people don't know this yet. When their aircraft are sitting on the ground, the penny will drop

Re Nahkeel, that got rid of a bad egg!!!!!!!!!! at the end of the day they seriously shiy money and will grow!!!!!! lets hope the new staff find it very difficult to get drivers and their rate of pay goes up to at least Saudi standards. A GEX driver in Saudi is on $15,000 / month ++++ and I have friends on a F 900 on $12,000 / month ++++ and on 3 weeks on 3 weeks off. It took the owner 3 years and loosing 11 pilot to realise this rate of pay and time off secures the crew will never leave.

This my first time on PPRUNE, it is interesting

Lowy4sure
 

:D Eventually someone has replied that also has some information on the idiots that were and some that still are employed by Nakheel.
I knew crew that after hearing their wages/contracts etc ran for miles. Some even offered no housing allowance! What company does that?:ugh:

They really need to sort out the contracts so that they fall in line with the industries or with the increasing house prices in the UAE.

You right why live in a **** hole unless you earn big bucks. They do not fly often so wonder what there crew are thinking?:ugh:is what I suspect.

Maybe the MD left as he had lined his pockets enough. It amazes me about the info you mentioned on the CJ. Absolutely typical isn't it.:=

Strangely enough, as far as I am aware, a fair few of the crew with Nakheel did have rotation in previous jobs, but opted to have a life, with more quality, being based in an open minded city in the Middle East, including a lifestyle they could never afford in Europe (besides the admittedly higher salaries there). Including maids, a good nightlife and affordable transport home. Great medical cover and compared to most companies, a decent housing allowance paid up front by the company.

I m not sure how you can compare Saudi and Dubai but that s a personal choice. Yes, with the dollar rate at the mo, anyone with commitments in Europe will lose out. But there is plenty of other people.

Coming back to the subject of Nakheel, if it was so bad, why arent more crew leaving? I m not aware of a high turn over at their end. I m also not aware of them not being able to find staff. as you may know from experience they have come to a point of turning people down. They may take time for recruitment and run short for a while, but maybe that s to ensure they recruit the right people. The ones who enjoy Dubai, and appreciate the work environment. Yes, having a family in Dubai is expensive, but this doesnt just apply to Nakheel, the rent problem applies to everyone here.

In general I find it strange, how on this website people drag whole companies through the dirt that may not deserve it. you may want to take revenge on one particular person but you are harming anyone employed, people who are working hard and trying their best.
You point fingers without knowing the whole story. Is it because of rejection? Or too much time on your hands? Why are you all so involved in a company none of you supposedly works for?

As far as I m concerned anyone should make up their own mind. Contact them if you are interested and get a feel for the company. An interview is for an opportunity for both parties, not just the employer to assess if the position would be right for them. Make up your own mind and you may be surprised.

I know the grass is always greener on the other side, and as mentioned there are a lot worse jobs out there.

GH it is surprising your resume is on the IWA desk after the emotions you expressed, the MD maybe leaving but your comments affected anyone employed.It is all about fitting into the team and people that are honest. No company would like to employ staff that take their issues into public or backstab. Makes one wonder

Happy flying everyone, life could be a lot worse :)

m-e flyer
 

Just to say something about some of your comments.

Maybe more crew are not leaving as they could be contracted and cannot leave. That might be the reason.

I am not sure who you work for but maybe if you let everyone know then maybe they could apply if you are so happy there.

I know a good few people who live and work in Dubai and i know for a fact that they cannot afford maids etc on their salary, so I think its not fare to assume that all crew are on these great, not to be missed salaries.
The days of earning and saving alot of money in Dubai are long gone and as Lowy4sure mentioned maybe it will take companies along time to see crew come and go and for owners not to see the same faces in the front, year in and year out before they need to up the contracts to meet the increasing costs in Dubai and to keep crew. I would like to know how anyone can afford to pay their rent if it increases 7% every year but their housing allowances stay the same. At some point it will cost them money to live in Dubai. Villa's for a family of 4 will cost anywhere over AED170.000 a year and if your only getting AED120,000 in a housing allowance..........do the maths yourself.

Maybe you might be willing to live in a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment with your family, kids all being on top of each other in a room, then please be my guest but when I move to a new job or country to work you must have the same living conditions or better. If not you are moving backwards and I am sure you yourself would not be happy to do that. If you dont have kids, not married and are single then great but not everyone falls into this category.
I think they should sort themselves out before things will be better. There is no lack of funds behind this company.

Happy landings guys:)

Horm Irani
 

Can anyone of you confirm that the MD you are all refering to is Horm Irani :confused:

confirmed..

lack of funds is not the problem
 

attitude is the problem.

the entire uae is motivated now by getting maximum labour for minimum bucks.

the building industry is facing problems as salaries back in India are getting better, adverts in UAE newspapers for skilled indians inviting them back home.

aviation professionals are a world wide commodity, and their salaries and working conditions are known by all in the industry, via the services of PPrune, and others.

if a company in Austria is offering 15k$ on a 2 on 1 off contract, would a qualified person apply for 8k$, 11 on and perhaps 1 off in ME. perhaps not.

one company in my present emirate told the new hire pilot, not to discuss his salary package with the other pilots.......why..........because even with his typerating, and many hundereds of hours on type he is on almost 1/2 the salary of the other guys.
why.....is sin is to be asian, and not european.................just how long before the question of package arises.............?

Nahkeel is not alone, but I do suspect that the senior management all went to the same business school.

windy

"Nahkeel is not alone, but I do suspect that the senior management all went to the same business school."

I'm sorry to tar every manager with the same brush, however in my experience dont ALLL upper managers go to that same school?!?!?!

They seem to have this ability to make themselves believe that **** smells like roses and think they have the 'skill' to sell that same rose scented **** to the employees. And when the employees dont buy-it, they cant figure out why?!?!

I'm not targetting Nahkeel and I know there are some 'good apples' out there, however those good apples soon spoil due to association with the bad apples. Unfortunately this appears to be the situation regarding, in my opinion, the entire upper management in Middle East aviation.

....I still cant figure it out?!?!

Nakheel merger
 

Story doing the rounds that NAkheel is merging with another two local operations..

Any info ?

Cheers

Information from Nakheel Crew
 

I tell you something, I cannot believe that I bumped into Nakheel crew whilst on a trip in xxxxxxxx.
After some chatting things still seem to amaze me.:confused:
Heard that the MD is now gone, about time, sounds like EJME dejavue. The crew said that the ops side is a total mess and they never fly without incurring problems along the way. This is not the first time I had heard this from one of their captains, but anyway.:ugh:

But the best has to be that one of their new captains is apparently from EJME and was apparently sacked from that job. What a bunch of cowboys. Don't know the reason or if its true but apparently so. Ok so now we have an MD, training manager and a captain all from execujet and by the sounds of things have all been sacked. Whats up wit this Nakheel company, seems like their requirements are to have been sacked or maybe have a criminal record. CLASSIC CLASSIC CLASSIC:D

They also commented on some stupid little cabin crew member who tries to run the company and ops department. Maybe she is a wannabe or wants to feel important. Probably the reason that nothing runs smoothly. :=Again how CLASSIC

Any coments would be good.

Safe flying guys