Cargolux details requested!
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CV
Cheers RednosedReindeer, JungleLand, RayCosmic and NoRulesInLux and the rest,
Your recent posts were exactly the information i needed. Thank you for your efforts and time.
I’m just trying to build up an overall picture of life at CV and your contributions have been very helpful.
CV is doubtlessly financially a good company, expanding its operations and increasing its profit and turnover year on year. Security for its employees is better than most in this environment and more stable than pax operations.
My present company is, as well as most of its competitors, battling rising costs and the effects of the low-cost carriers. Promotion, expansion and fleet replacement are nonexistent and thinking of the future does not give one a "warm feeling in ones tummy". Having faced the threat of redundancy once I feel it would be nice to work for a company that you could feel more secure in and progress throughout my career.
Unlike you guys i don’t have experience with long haul ops (even though id call 18hr ,multi sector duty days ,consecutively ,with no crew rest area on a short haul aircraft long"ish"). I get enough days off to live life and am paid well with a good pension (although taxed too much). I work in part of the world that is good for me, But i would not like to look back in ten years time flying the same machinery on the same routes from the same seat.
One has always to be wary of the "Grass is always Greener" mentality that can fill pilots thoughts, i guess we have too much time on our hands.
Regards,
Iolar
Your recent posts were exactly the information i needed. Thank you for your efforts and time.
I’m just trying to build up an overall picture of life at CV and your contributions have been very helpful.
CV is doubtlessly financially a good company, expanding its operations and increasing its profit and turnover year on year. Security for its employees is better than most in this environment and more stable than pax operations.
My present company is, as well as most of its competitors, battling rising costs and the effects of the low-cost carriers. Promotion, expansion and fleet replacement are nonexistent and thinking of the future does not give one a "warm feeling in ones tummy". Having faced the threat of redundancy once I feel it would be nice to work for a company that you could feel more secure in and progress throughout my career.
Unlike you guys i don’t have experience with long haul ops (even though id call 18hr ,multi sector duty days ,consecutively ,with no crew rest area on a short haul aircraft long"ish"). I get enough days off to live life and am paid well with a good pension (although taxed too much). I work in part of the world that is good for me, But i would not like to look back in ten years time flying the same machinery on the same routes from the same seat.
One has always to be wary of the "Grass is always Greener" mentality that can fill pilots thoughts, i guess we have too much time on our hands.
Regards,
Iolar
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Germany
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In your position, I would suggest to base your decision on your age.
If you're under 30, go for it.
If you're over 40, forget about it - unless you're SURE that 3 stripes will make you happy until you retire. Once you're over 50 and still sitting to thhe right, you'd otherwise get nervous, and that takes the fun away.
One more thing if you're over 30: forget about the company pension plan. The way it's set up, only captains receive substantial contributions. Unless you can look at 20+ years in the left seat, the resulting lump sum is not worth mentioning.
Sorry if that doesn't make it easier to decide...
If you're under 30, go for it.
If you're over 40, forget about it - unless you're SURE that 3 stripes will make you happy until you retire. Once you're over 50 and still sitting to thhe right, you'd otherwise get nervous, and that takes the fun away.
One more thing if you're over 30: forget about the company pension plan. The way it's set up, only captains receive substantial contributions. Unless you can look at 20+ years in the left seat, the resulting lump sum is not worth mentioning.
Sorry if that doesn't make it easier to decide...
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Hi,
I ve been following the topic for quiet some time with big interest,
thx a lot for the great tips.
could someone please tell me if CV allows part time work ?, I mean after few years or so/seniority ...
thx
loz
I ve been following the topic for quiet some time with big interest,
thx a lot for the great tips.
could someone please tell me if CV allows part time work ?, I mean after few years or so/seniority ...
thx
loz
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: France
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With low seniority you very seldom get to south America and USA, Australia and New Zeeland, but end up in Africa some, but mainly Asia.
If you're over 40, forget about it - unless you're SURE that 3 stripes will make you happy until you retire.
I think that anything between 10 and 20 years is realistic.
Oh well, still better then flying short-haul with 4 stripes.
Overall I am very happy to work for Cargolux
Good luck!
E Le B
Last edited by LBR; 27th Nov 2006 at 08:26. Reason: anonymous...
Join Date: Aug 2006
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That is totally individual.
So you're lucky to get a bit of a change on your roster...
good for you!
This can of course, always happen - the point is rather, that the nicer trips have become less, and are thus heavily requested by high seniority people.
Of course, 9 days USA with 7 sectors and 3 positionings will always be available....
Exactly. So: starting over 40, expect your upgrade between 50 and 60. Meaning: not much has to go wrong, and you never get it.
TRR
So you're lucky to get a bit of a change on your roster...
good for you!
This can of course, always happen - the point is rather, that the nicer trips have become less, and are thus heavily requested by high seniority people.
Of course, 9 days USA with 7 sectors and 3 positionings will always be available....
Exactly. So: starting over 40, expect your upgrade between 50 and 60. Meaning: not much has to go wrong, and you never get it.TRR
Join Date: Apr 2004
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That's true, like most opinions here... 
I do (except for South America).
So far this year 4 south-, 13 east- and 11 westbound trips.
Sure, if you compare the present with the past (like 5 years ago maybe?) there have been some changes (I've been told). 
But if you just joined you can only compare the present situation with your own previous situation.
Being fair or not, as everything seems to be based on seniority the chances are that the senior people will get their requested/better trips.
That's the way it is.
Exactly. So: starting over 40, expect your upgrade between 50 and 60. Meaning: not much has to go wrong, and you never get it.
That could be true.
If you really need those 4 stripes to be able to enjoy life you better join expanding companies like Emirates or Oasis.
Gr. Eric
So you're lucky to get a bit of a change on your roster...
So far this year 4 south-, 13 east- and 11 westbound trips.
the point is rather, that the nicer trips have become less, and are thus heavily requested by high seniority people.
But if you just joined you can only compare the present situation with your own previous situation.
Being fair or not, as everything seems to be based on seniority the chances are that the senior people will get their requested/better trips.
That's the way it is.
Exactly. So: starting over 40, expect your upgrade between 50 and 60. Meaning: not much has to go wrong, and you never get it.
If you really need those 4 stripes to be able to enjoy life you better join expanding companies like Emirates or Oasis.
Gr. Eric
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Hi Everybody,
Long time lurker here, thought it was time I revived this great thread. It's given me great insight in the company I would prefer to join for the long term. Unfortunately it's gone very quite these last few months.
Reason for that probably has something to do with selections having halted since last summer. I unfortunately reached the hour limit just as this hiring freeze popped up
.
ppjn.org now mentions that hiring has restarted while the latest info I got from interpersonal is that hiring would not start earlier than june/july.
So here are my questions?
First off, has anyone been called for an interview yet and if so how long have you waited for it. Second, could someone in the know shed some light on future requirements in terms of number of new hires.
Any and all information is much appreciated and not just by me I guess
.
Long time lurker here, thought it was time I revived this great thread. It's given me great insight in the company I would prefer to join for the long term. Unfortunately it's gone very quite these last few months.
Reason for that probably has something to do with selections having halted since last summer. I unfortunately reached the hour limit just as this hiring freeze popped up
.ppjn.org now mentions that hiring has restarted while the latest info I got from interpersonal is that hiring would not start earlier than june/july.
So here are my questions?
First off, has anyone been called for an interview yet and if so how long have you waited for it. Second, could someone in the know shed some light on future requirements in terms of number of new hires.
Any and all information is much appreciated and not just by me I guess
.
Evertonian
Whilst we're on the subject...
Cargolux raises 747-8F commitment
Wednesday March 21, 2007 Cargolux this week placed a follow-on order for three 747-8 freighters valued at $845 million plus two options, bringing its total firm orders for the type to 13. It is the co-launch customer for the 747-8F along with Nippon Cargo Airlines (ATWOnline, Nov. 16, 2005). It also has 10 purchase rights. Boeing said it now has a combined 87 firm orders for the 747-8F and the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger version.
Wednesday March 21, 2007 Cargolux this week placed a follow-on order for three 747-8 freighters valued at $845 million plus two options, bringing its total firm orders for the type to 13. It is the co-launch customer for the 747-8F along with Nippon Cargo Airlines (ATWOnline, Nov. 16, 2005). It also has 10 purchase rights. Boeing said it now has a combined 87 firm orders for the 747-8F and the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger version.
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: France
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Boeing News Release: "This brings the Luxembourg-based cargo operator's total 747-8 Freighter order to 13 airplanes, two options and 10 purchase rights."
What's a purchase right?
Would that be something in between a firm order and an option?
Gr. Eric
What's a purchase right?
Would that be something in between a firm order and an option?
Gr. Eric
Join Date: Jun 2002
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purchase rights=production slots-is this the case???
very interesting to have if your opposition all start clamouring for 747-8's
beacuse then you are ahead in the game
very interesting to have if your opposition all start clamouring for 747-8's
beacuse then you are ahead in the game
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Are there any people with families (ie.with young kids) here who love the CV job, lifestyle and everything that goes with it ?
I know every company has its whingers and moaners, but surely there must be people willing to shed some light on what their home/family life is actually like. Is the salary sufficient to support your family and provide a decent house ?
I would love to get an idea of how many days in average you spend away and how much time you have with your family.
Thanks
PS. I am used to the LCO lifestyle including:
85-105 hours/month
Home pretty much every night
25 days leave per year
I know every company has its whingers and moaners, but surely there must be people willing to shed some light on what their home/family life is actually like. Is the salary sufficient to support your family and provide a decent house ?
I would love to get an idea of how many days in average you spend away and how much time you have with your family.
Thanks
PS. I am used to the LCO lifestyle including:
85-105 hours/month
Home pretty much every night
25 days leave per year
Join Date: Apr 2004
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13 X 4 weeks rosters a year
Each roster at least 10 off days, normally either 4 + 7 or 10 in a row.
42 vacation days
A couple of "blank" days
--> at least 172 days off a year.
Time spent with the family depends on the time needed to get home.
Coming back in the morning from a trip and leaving the next day in the evening could mean 2 days at home if you live in or close to LUX.
Whether the salary is sufficient is hard to say, really depends on your needs.
Each roster at least 10 off days, normally either 4 + 7 or 10 in a row.
42 vacation days
A couple of "blank" days
--> at least 172 days off a year.
Time spent with the family depends on the time needed to get home.
Coming back in the morning from a trip and leaving the next day in the evening could mean 2 days at home if you live in or close to LUX.
Whether the salary is sufficient is hard to say, really depends on your needs.
Join Date: Feb 2006
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To LBR:
I agree.....coming back in the morning from a flight and leaving the next day in the evening is 2 days at home if you live in Luxembourg.
Of course you arrive well rested and of course you don't have to rest before your flight the next day, so why don't you just suggest to Cargolux that these 2 days be considered off days then.
You are one hell of a good employee......
Hawkey Red
I agree.....coming back in the morning from a flight and leaving the next day in the evening is 2 days at home if you live in Luxembourg.
Of course you arrive well rested and of course you don't have to rest before your flight the next day, so why don't you just suggest to Cargolux that these 2 days be considered off days then.
You are one hell of a good employee......
Hawkey Red
Hi, I changed from short haul, 4 legs a day, 20 days a month being home every night to this.
200% improvement of family and social life.
Ok, you're gone some days, but when you're off, you're really off.
What made the Short Haul difficult for me, was the lack of possibilities to have dinners, go out, do things with friends or family etc.
Rarely I could spend a whole evening, since I or was flying in the evening, or had a 0600LT check in time coming up.
These days I'm coming back, rest a bit and have a few days I can use from the morning till the evening doing things I like and or need to do.
Lots of phone calls with friends/family using Skype I do while on the way, so I'm not occupied with that at home.
On top of it, the average leg is not that long, so on the way back from the Far East you have some opportunities to sleep at the stations, so you're not fully jet-lagged when coming home.
What makes it easy for me is that I live very near, so I don't waste time commuting.
I do this kind of flying only since a short time now, but I feel it's beyond the Cargolux KoolAid I drink each day and the coolness of flying that big Freighter.
So for me, with a family, It was the best choice I could have ever made.
Moneywise it can always be better, but hey, I just started here!
@Hawkeye: From your few previous posts, is it safe to assume you are a bit of a negativist? You live near your work?
200% improvement of family and social life.
Ok, you're gone some days, but when you're off, you're really off.
What made the Short Haul difficult for me, was the lack of possibilities to have dinners, go out, do things with friends or family etc.
Rarely I could spend a whole evening, since I or was flying in the evening, or had a 0600LT check in time coming up.
These days I'm coming back, rest a bit and have a few days I can use from the morning till the evening doing things I like and or need to do.
Lots of phone calls with friends/family using Skype I do while on the way, so I'm not occupied with that at home.
On top of it, the average leg is not that long, so on the way back from the Far East you have some opportunities to sleep at the stations, so you're not fully jet-lagged when coming home.
What makes it easy for me is that I live very near, so I don't waste time commuting.
I do this kind of flying only since a short time now, but I feel it's beyond the Cargolux KoolAid I drink each day and the coolness of flying that big Freighter.
So for me, with a family, It was the best choice I could have ever made.
Moneywise it can always be better, but hey, I just started here!
@Hawkeye: From your few previous posts, is it safe to assume you are a bit of a negativist? You live near your work?
Join Date: Feb 2006
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Ray Cosmic
If you are so new to the business, let's talk again in 15-20 years.
I have been here long enough to enjo the really good times - it has all been downhill since, but if you are happy enjoy it while it lasts.
History shows that your family doesn't always share your opinion of a good job....
Hawkeye Red
If you are so new to the business, let's talk again in 15-20 years.
I have been here long enough to enjo the really good times - it has all been downhill since, but if you are happy enjoy it while it lasts.
History shows that your family doesn't always share your opinion of a good job....
Hawkeye Red
So you must have been on the frontlines defending our perks in the everlasting pilot/company negotiatons? Or have stayed on the sidelines merely observing how rapidly T&Cs are decaying. Let me tell you, it is not like it used to be for sure, but the other places went downhill even faster.
Company is healthy, pay is alright, time off and holidays are ok. Try Ryanair.
Company is healthy, pay is alright, time off and holidays are ok. Try Ryanair.
