potential EK joiner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: breakfast creek hotel
Age: 53
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
potential EK joiner
Hi
Thinking of a career change to EK, life change actually!
To assist with my move I want to chat with present employees. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to offer. Outlined below are my main reasons for moving I hope they give u some food for thought for any advice you may be able to offer
How often would one expect to travel?
Part of my decision to come to Dubai is to see all that the world has to offer. Dubai, being the gateway to Europe would be a great base from which to explore.
We have two boys 1 and 3 so part of my decision is for them to experience this wonderful world of ours before they return to finish their education in their country of birth. Schooling seems great there. Expand...
How much do you actually save per month?
I save absolutely nothing at the moment as a 737 F/O Would 7000dihrams be excessive per month as a first officer with EK?
The facilitators in the recent roadshow did not give any idea about days off. Could i reasonably expect a few days off at the end of one month and a few at the start of another to travel?
What is life like at silicone oasis?....perhaps like a silicone implant? nice to look at but not like the real thing... or with kids my age, just the thing?
I realise you can never be happy all the time in any job, nor can the company pay you enough but life is very short. I am hoping my move to EK will provide some rewards in terms of life experience and financial security in this ever insecure world of ours.
Thanks for any assistance
Your honest and genuine replies will be greatly appreciated.
Also love to hear from families who have been there for a few years and the gloss may be starting to fade. Is a ten year goal realistic?
Ask your wives tonight over a cordial and ask them what they think too...love to hear their opinions so we can chat about it further.
Thinking of a career change to EK, life change actually!
To assist with my move I want to chat with present employees. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to offer. Outlined below are my main reasons for moving I hope they give u some food for thought for any advice you may be able to offer
How often would one expect to travel?
Part of my decision to come to Dubai is to see all that the world has to offer. Dubai, being the gateway to Europe would be a great base from which to explore.
We have two boys 1 and 3 so part of my decision is for them to experience this wonderful world of ours before they return to finish their education in their country of birth. Schooling seems great there. Expand...
How much do you actually save per month?
I save absolutely nothing at the moment as a 737 F/O Would 7000dihrams be excessive per month as a first officer with EK?
The facilitators in the recent roadshow did not give any idea about days off. Could i reasonably expect a few days off at the end of one month and a few at the start of another to travel?
What is life like at silicone oasis?....perhaps like a silicone implant? nice to look at but not like the real thing... or with kids my age, just the thing?
I realise you can never be happy all the time in any job, nor can the company pay you enough but life is very short. I am hoping my move to EK will provide some rewards in terms of life experience and financial security in this ever insecure world of ours.
Thanks for any assistance
Your honest and genuine replies will be greatly appreciated.
Also love to hear from families who have been there for a few years and the gloss may be starting to fade. Is a ten year goal realistic?
Ask your wives tonight over a cordial and ask them what they think too...love to hear their opinions so we can chat about it further.
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: uae
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Silicon Oasis is ok people there like it, 2-4 years things will be built up out there.
Dubai not the nice place it use to be.
Traffic is down right dangerous.
Cost of living going up all the time by 15-20% with no control.
Lots of corruption which will piss you off.
You would be lucky to get a string of days off in 2 months back to back, it would have to be in your top 2 bid months, but the loads are high everywhere.
Average 9 days off a month for the year,maybe 10.
The road show s are saying upgrade 3-4 years but we have a back log right now,unless they are factoring in guys leaving which is going to increase soon.
Either EY or QR(ad in Flight) look like they are going for offline basing if they do EK will have a tuff time getting pilots on the current package, already feeling that.
Latest is Nad Al sheba gone , golf going to go way up in price , they never did care for EPC members anyway.Glad I did not get the new clubs, that being said there might be a fire sale at Nad soon.
Dubai not the nice place it use to be.
Traffic is down right dangerous.
Cost of living going up all the time by 15-20% with no control.
Lots of corruption which will piss you off.
You would be lucky to get a string of days off in 2 months back to back, it would have to be in your top 2 bid months, but the loads are high everywhere.
Average 9 days off a month for the year,maybe 10.
The road show s are saying upgrade 3-4 years but we have a back log right now,unless they are factoring in guys leaving which is going to increase soon.
Either EY or QR(ad in Flight) look like they are going for offline basing if they do EK will have a tuff time getting pilots on the current package, already feeling that.
Latest is Nad Al sheba gone , golf going to go way up in price , they never did care for EPC members anyway.Glad I did not get the new clubs, that being said there might be a fire sale at Nad soon.
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Australia
Age: 60
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do a search and you will find much of the info you are after. It has been repeated many times. Keep in mind that many view this forum as a place to let off steam, it is not always factual.
I have enjoyed the vast majority of my time here, despite the occasional thing that annoys the crap out of me.
At the end of the day they will give you a great aircraft to go out and fly to too many destinations to remember.
I have enjoyed the vast majority of my time here, despite the occasional thing that annoys the crap out of me.
At the end of the day they will give you a great aircraft to go out and fly to too many destinations to remember.
Confused,
This is really a very subjective subject. Someone here without kids, compared to someone here with kids, compared to a single FO, compared to DEC, compared to an FO, whos been here for 3 to 4 + years and still no command course date, compared to a new joiner, still excited about the big move, will all give you a different view on the reality that is Dubai. To all of them, their differing view will truthfully be the only true view.
May I suggest that the only real way to see if it is right for you and your family, is to come on over and spend a week or two here. Ask the questions, look around and do the maths re pay etc yourself. It may seem like a very expensive thing to do, but it will be money well spent if either of you decide it’s not for you.
I believe recruiting are still saying 3 yrs to upgrade. We have over 100 FOs who have completed 3yrs without an offer of a command course. Over 70 of these guys have not been told of a course date up to Mar 08. They are however, watching guys 1yr Jnr to themselves upgrading on time on the other fleet. Be honest with yourself when you consider how well you will deal with this. 4 to 5 years ago, it was the Bus guys upgrading before the Boeing guys.
We have 95 aeroplanes in the PAX fleet. We have 1650 pilots, of which, 850 are FOs. So a new joiner today will need 95 x 2 aeroplanes in the fleet (give or take a few for retirements, resignations, DECs etc) before his/her number for upgrade arrives. So for the 3yrs to upgrade to work out, you would need EK to be expanding at 30 aeroplanes per year, for the next 3 years plus. To put this in perspective, in 2000/01 EK had 38 aeroplanes and 500 pilots. Afer a slow couple of years it doubled in size by 2003/4. These guys got their command in 3yrs, as the company doubled in size. To do this it needed to add 10 + aeroplanes per year. I think expansion is continuing around 15 or so new aeroplanes per year. As it gets larger, the time to command will expand. So I would suggest planning on 6, 7 or even 8 years to upgrade. If you get it sooner it will be a bonus. But you never know what will happen over here.
I am sure you have lots of friends over here already. Take their advice. But make sure this advice is right for you. Are they in the same circumstances family wise etc as you are? If not ask if they could introduce you to someone who is in the same situation. The salary figures are on the EK careers web site. Use these numbers. The exchange rate when transferring money home today (this was from Thomas Cook, the Banks were charging Aed3.05 to Aud 1) was Aed 2.99 to Aud 1. So divide by 2.99 to get the Oz equivalent. The over night allowance will not add much to your household income, if you plan on eating or drinking when away.
The good side is that you will get to fly to some places you would have never even imagined about. You will get to fly with some great fellas. You get the chance to sit in the front of some newish machines. But have a think about how you will feel, when after a year or two, you have got to see all the destinations, and this newish machine becomes just another device that keeps you from your bed.
For some this place is great. For others it’s barely tolerable. Take the time to make sure it is right for you. After all, it’s just a job.
Good luck mate.
Don
This is really a very subjective subject. Someone here without kids, compared to someone here with kids, compared to a single FO, compared to DEC, compared to an FO, whos been here for 3 to 4 + years and still no command course date, compared to a new joiner, still excited about the big move, will all give you a different view on the reality that is Dubai. To all of them, their differing view will truthfully be the only true view.
May I suggest that the only real way to see if it is right for you and your family, is to come on over and spend a week or two here. Ask the questions, look around and do the maths re pay etc yourself. It may seem like a very expensive thing to do, but it will be money well spent if either of you decide it’s not for you.
I believe recruiting are still saying 3 yrs to upgrade. We have over 100 FOs who have completed 3yrs without an offer of a command course. Over 70 of these guys have not been told of a course date up to Mar 08. They are however, watching guys 1yr Jnr to themselves upgrading on time on the other fleet. Be honest with yourself when you consider how well you will deal with this. 4 to 5 years ago, it was the Bus guys upgrading before the Boeing guys.
We have 95 aeroplanes in the PAX fleet. We have 1650 pilots, of which, 850 are FOs. So a new joiner today will need 95 x 2 aeroplanes in the fleet (give or take a few for retirements, resignations, DECs etc) before his/her number for upgrade arrives. So for the 3yrs to upgrade to work out, you would need EK to be expanding at 30 aeroplanes per year, for the next 3 years plus. To put this in perspective, in 2000/01 EK had 38 aeroplanes and 500 pilots. Afer a slow couple of years it doubled in size by 2003/4. These guys got their command in 3yrs, as the company doubled in size. To do this it needed to add 10 + aeroplanes per year. I think expansion is continuing around 15 or so new aeroplanes per year. As it gets larger, the time to command will expand. So I would suggest planning on 6, 7 or even 8 years to upgrade. If you get it sooner it will be a bonus. But you never know what will happen over here.
I am sure you have lots of friends over here already. Take their advice. But make sure this advice is right for you. Are they in the same circumstances family wise etc as you are? If not ask if they could introduce you to someone who is in the same situation. The salary figures are on the EK careers web site. Use these numbers. The exchange rate when transferring money home today (this was from Thomas Cook, the Banks were charging Aed3.05 to Aud 1) was Aed 2.99 to Aud 1. So divide by 2.99 to get the Oz equivalent. The over night allowance will not add much to your household income, if you plan on eating or drinking when away.
The good side is that you will get to fly to some places you would have never even imagined about. You will get to fly with some great fellas. You get the chance to sit in the front of some newish machines. But have a think about how you will feel, when after a year or two, you have got to see all the destinations, and this newish machine becomes just another device that keeps you from your bed.
For some this place is great. For others it’s barely tolerable. Take the time to make sure it is right for you. After all, it’s just a job.
Good luck mate.
Don
Join Date: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some people have mentioned the traffic. If you don't think it will become a huge and negative factor in your life should you come to Dubai, think again.
I've just returned from the airport. It took me one hour from the Bustan Rotana to Departures, (that's about one kilometre for those not familiar with Dubai), mostly because of cretins unwilling to wait and roaring up from the far left lanes and pushing their way in.
Some very unhappy campers among the drivers around me - and I suspect a few outbound passengers who might not have made their flights.
I've just returned from the airport. It took me one hour from the Bustan Rotana to Departures, (that's about one kilometre for those not familiar with Dubai), mostly because of cretins unwilling to wait and roaring up from the far left lanes and pushing their way in.
Some very unhappy campers among the drivers around me - and I suspect a few outbound passengers who might not have made their flights.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: The Sandpit
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very good post Don.
This place is certainly not for everyone. If you're coming for the right reasons (for yourself and your family) things will generally work out. If you're thinking a change will be good for a dodgy marriage or just feeling a bit adventurous... watch out. Things have a way of unravelling..fast.
Take Don's advice and come and have a look for yourself. Look past the glitsy stuff and concentrate on the day to day stuff - grocery prices, school availability etc etc. The ground worlk will save you from a potential minefield
Good luck with your decision Mate!
J.
This place is certainly not for everyone. If you're coming for the right reasons (for yourself and your family) things will generally work out. If you're thinking a change will be good for a dodgy marriage or just feeling a bit adventurous... watch out. Things have a way of unravelling..fast.
Take Don's advice and come and have a look for yourself. Look past the glitsy stuff and concentrate on the day to day stuff - grocery prices, school availability etc etc. The ground worlk will save you from a potential minefield
Good luck with your decision Mate!
J.
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Be prepared to watch your salary disolve on a daily basis due to
1) The exchange rate
2) The massive inflation. (largely driven by the exchange rate)
In the 10 years I have been here, my purchasing power has become less than 50% of its orginal.
There are no signs of letting up.
1) The exchange rate
2) The massive inflation. (largely driven by the exchange rate)
In the 10 years I have been here, my purchasing power has become less than 50% of its orginal.
There are no signs of letting up.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Smog City HKG
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the info Don.
I'm living in Hong Kong and working for CX as an FO. The main reason I'm looking at moving to Dubai is lifestyle. I enjoy my job here and the people I work with.
My son is 20 months old and has a chronic cough. Pollution is a major concern and I can't see us living here much longer.
I would appreciate it if anyone with small children can pm me and let me know about their lifestyle in Dubai with kids.
I have read most of the threads about EK and we have similar problems over here with our company.
I'm still considering my application and would like to find out as much as I can before I take my family to Dubai to see if they would be prepared to live there.
Thanks for the advise
I'm living in Hong Kong and working for CX as an FO. The main reason I'm looking at moving to Dubai is lifestyle. I enjoy my job here and the people I work with.
My son is 20 months old and has a chronic cough. Pollution is a major concern and I can't see us living here much longer.
I would appreciate it if anyone with small children can pm me and let me know about their lifestyle in Dubai with kids.
I have read most of the threads about EK and we have similar problems over here with our company.
I'm still considering my application and would like to find out as much as I can before I take my family to Dubai to see if they would be prepared to live there.
Thanks for the advise
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sandy beach
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to say that Dubai seems to be better for kids than HK. I have heard similar stories of people having to move within HK or just flat out leave due to high levels of pollution causing health issues.
Dubai is in such flux, it's difficult to predict even 6 months ahead. They just anncounced closure of a golf club that was home to many EK golfers for example. Beach clubs are still avail and quite good but you really need to check the place out.
Dubai is in such flux, it's difficult to predict even 6 months ahead. They just anncounced closure of a golf club that was home to many EK golfers for example. Beach clubs are still avail and quite good but you really need to check the place out.
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Smog City HKG
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you Saltaire. I appreciate the reply. Will take my family to Dubai and have a good look around before I apply. I guess that will be the only way to do make up my mind.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Mars
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I wouldn't come here for the clean air. It is full of sand, dust and other crud with the inversion going up to 18k in the summer. A lot of people struggle in this environment with allergies too.
Join Date: Jul 1998
Location: M.E.
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clean Air!
If you are moving to Dubai for clean air.....
THINK AGAIN!
There is a thick smog over the city most days. It's turning into Los Angeles very quickly. It is definitely something that is getting worse. I believe the high sulphur content of middle eastern oil means the trucks spew out vast ammounts of crap.
Dubai's air quality isn't that good and will only get worse as the increase in car and truck registrations is mammoth.
For a photo of the sky please google "dubai air quality" and see the UAE community blog link on the first page.
(couldn't get the hyperlink to work)
Scudsy
THINK AGAIN!
There is a thick smog over the city most days. It's turning into Los Angeles very quickly. It is definitely something that is getting worse. I believe the high sulphur content of middle eastern oil means the trucks spew out vast ammounts of crap.
Dubai's air quality isn't that good and will only get worse as the increase in car and truck registrations is mammoth.
For a photo of the sky please google "dubai air quality" and see the UAE community blog link on the first page.
(couldn't get the hyperlink to work)
Scudsy
Last edited by Scudsy; 8th Apr 2007 at 14:36.
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: HNL-Paradise
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, Move to Dubai for the clean air 
The only thing good about the air in Dubai was that they didn't charge you to breath it. I can't imagine the oppressive heat & humidity during the 9 month hell season.
The only thing good about the air in Dubai was that they didn't charge you to breath it. I can't imagine the oppressive heat & humidity during the 9 month hell season.
9 month hell season.
Above is a perfect example as to why you shouldn't use PPRUNE as your sole source of information.
This idiot, whose entire experience of Dubai was a three day interview (SAYS he turned it down, UNCONFIRMED rumour he was rejected), rights crap like that.
3 Months of Summer- Hot, damed hot (Ok if you're with a Lady, no good if you're in the jungle (err..Desert)). Shoulder two months-hot but not unpleasent.
Rest of the year- rather nice actually!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sandy beach
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There's pollution and then there's the fragrant harbour....dubai is a swiss hilltop compared to the sludge coming down from a little industrialized nation called China. It is getting worse in Dubai, no doubt, but there is really no comparison.