Joining Qatar Airways (QR) - all you need to know about it (threads merged)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Sandpit
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Why QR?
Didn't you guys read the warnings here year after year! Korean, Vietnam, China etc looking for pilots right now. Good money, commuting contracts, why in the hell you want to join QR?! 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Warsaw, Poland
Age: 45
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Qatar Interview
FYI, I applied to Qatar back in Jan 2009 and had no response. Lately I resubmited my application form. This time I filled it all out by hand, and it was sent by snail mail - everything was done according to their "instructions" on the first page: black ink, pages signed, photos stapled etc. I've got an invitation for the interview within two weeks time since I visited my local post office. I must say that's pretty quick. My interview is on November 4th, 2009 - that gives me some time to prepare.
There are at least thirteen possible test papers, questions are very wide ranging. Eg.
How long to evacuate an aircraft with more than 44 seats ?
TODA is ?
Type of cloud with virga ?
Holding pattern entries
Interperate a TAF, ie what will the wind be when you arrive ?
VMCA is ?
ISA is ?
Emergency descent, first action ?
ILS CAT I RVR ?
Of the four possible answers, one you can reject immediately, one after short consideration, the remaining two are very similarly worded so you need to know exactly what is being asked.
"Ace the Technical Pilot Interview" is a good start, but with such a wide ranging base it's time to pull out your ATPL notes and go right through them.
Know performance, MET codes, aerodynamics, JEPPS, instruments etc
Having said this, most people seem to get through. Lost 1/10 on my test, mates group next day lost 2.
Prepare, prepare and prepare
How long to evacuate an aircraft with more than 44 seats ?
TODA is ?
Type of cloud with virga ?
Holding pattern entries
Interperate a TAF, ie what will the wind be when you arrive ?
VMCA is ?
ISA is ?
Emergency descent, first action ?
ILS CAT I RVR ?
Of the four possible answers, one you can reject immediately, one after short consideration, the remaining two are very similarly worded so you need to know exactly what is being asked.
"Ace the Technical Pilot Interview" is a good start, but with such a wide ranging base it's time to pull out your ATPL notes and go right through them.
Know performance, MET codes, aerodynamics, JEPPS, instruments etc
Having said this, most people seem to get through. Lost 1/10 on my test, mates group next day lost 2.
Prepare, prepare and prepare
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Dohacity
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IATA summary (08/09)
For people like NoJoke and others, still believing that aviation will restart anytime soon. It is slowly getting better, but still a far cry of a real recovery!
The only region with a slight improvement IS the Middle East. So for many pilots out there te middle east is the only option.
Just FYI
In the Red, Despite Demand Improvements
Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced international scheduled traffic results for July showing passenger demand declining 2.9% compared to the same month in the previous year while freight demand was down 11.3%. The international passenger load factors stood at 80.3%.
The July passenger demand fall of 2.9% was a relative improvement over the 7.2% drop in June and the 6.8% decline recorded over the first seven months of the year. July capacity was more in line with reduced demand than in previous months and load factors are similar to those recorded in July 2008. These positive developments, however, have come at the expense of yields which continue to fall sharply.
The 11.3% decline in cargo demand for July was also a relative improvement over the -16.5% recorded in June and the -19.3% average for the first seven months of the year. Despite this improvement, the July freight load factor of 47.6% was lower than the 49% recorded in July 2008.
“Demand may look better, but the bottom line has not improved. We have seen little change to the unprecedented fall in yields and revenues. The months ahead are marked by many uncertainties, including the price of oil. The road to recovery will be both slow and volatile. In the meantime, the industry remains in intensive care,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
International Passenger Demand
All regions saw improved demand performance compared to June, but significant differences by region should be noted:
Asia-Pacific carriers are experiencing the extremes of this recession. The 7.6% fall in passenger demand compared to July 2008, was the largest decline of any region. At the same time, compared to the -14.5% recorded in June, the relative improvement to -7.6% was also the biggest among all regions. Economic growth returned during the second quarter in a number of Asian economies, to a much larger extent than elsewhere. This was likely the driver behind July’s better performance. The impact on passenger confidence from Influenza A(H1N1) was also somewhat diminished as media coverage of the disease decreased.
European and North American carriers saw declines of 3.1% and 3.2% respectively. Passengers have been trading down to cheaper seats in the face of recession pressures. Airlines have also been leaving less expensive fares open for sale much longer (closer to departure dates) in the face of excess capacity and intensifying competition. The July improvement in travel demand was more the result of deep discounting than stronger incomes or greater economic confidence.
Latin American carriers saw demand decline by 3.5%. This was the only region to see a greater decline in July than the seven month average which is -3.0%.
African carriers saw a fall of 5.5% compared to the seven month average of -8.6%.
Middle Eastern carriers were the only region to grow in July. The 13.2% growth in July was slightly better than the 12.9% recorded in June. The growth is fueled by increased capacity and greater market share in traffic between Europe and Asia.
International Air Freight
Freight demand on international markets was 11.3% lower in July than a year earlier, but was a considerably better result than the -16.5% recorded in June. All regions, except Africa, saw improvement in demand compared to June. The Middle East was the only region to grow.
Falls by Asia-Pacific carriers, European carriers and North American carriers were 9.5%, 16.2% and 14.6% respectively.
African carriers posted the worst performance at -25.9%. This was the only region to see a deterioration in freight demand compared to June when the region’s carriers posted a 20.2% decline compared to the same month in the previous year.
Middle Eastern carriers were the only region to grow, posting a 1% growth in demand compared to July 2008.
Latin American carriers posted a 1.2% fall in demand compared to July 2008.
The stabilization of air freight demand in the first quarter and its improvement in the second quarter has helped reduce the rate at which excess capacity has been growing. But load factors are still lower than levels seen at the same time last year. Downward pressure on freight rates and revenues continued to intensify in July.
“The freight numbers tell an interesting story. The sector is being boosted as companies re-stock depleted inventories. Once inventories are at desired levels in relation to sales, improvements in demand will level off until business and consumer confidence returns. Given the large amount of debt in all sectors of the economy, instant relief is not in the forecast,” said Bisignani.
“Airlines need to make their money in the June-August peak travel season. Planes are full. Load factors are high. But revenues are way down. Conserving cash, effectively managing capacity and cutting costs will be the long-term theme for every business in the air transport value chain,” said Bisignani.
View full July traffic results
-IATA-
Contact:
Anthony Concil
Director Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 22 770 2967
Email: [email protected]
The only region with a slight improvement IS the Middle East. So for many pilots out there te middle east is the only option.
Just FYI
In the Red, Despite Demand Improvements
Geneva - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced international scheduled traffic results for July showing passenger demand declining 2.9% compared to the same month in the previous year while freight demand was down 11.3%. The international passenger load factors stood at 80.3%.
The July passenger demand fall of 2.9% was a relative improvement over the 7.2% drop in June and the 6.8% decline recorded over the first seven months of the year. July capacity was more in line with reduced demand than in previous months and load factors are similar to those recorded in July 2008. These positive developments, however, have come at the expense of yields which continue to fall sharply.
The 11.3% decline in cargo demand for July was also a relative improvement over the -16.5% recorded in June and the -19.3% average for the first seven months of the year. Despite this improvement, the July freight load factor of 47.6% was lower than the 49% recorded in July 2008.
“Demand may look better, but the bottom line has not improved. We have seen little change to the unprecedented fall in yields and revenues. The months ahead are marked by many uncertainties, including the price of oil. The road to recovery will be both slow and volatile. In the meantime, the industry remains in intensive care,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
International Passenger Demand
All regions saw improved demand performance compared to June, but significant differences by region should be noted:
Asia-Pacific carriers are experiencing the extremes of this recession. The 7.6% fall in passenger demand compared to July 2008, was the largest decline of any region. At the same time, compared to the -14.5% recorded in June, the relative improvement to -7.6% was also the biggest among all regions. Economic growth returned during the second quarter in a number of Asian economies, to a much larger extent than elsewhere. This was likely the driver behind July’s better performance. The impact on passenger confidence from Influenza A(H1N1) was also somewhat diminished as media coverage of the disease decreased.
European and North American carriers saw declines of 3.1% and 3.2% respectively. Passengers have been trading down to cheaper seats in the face of recession pressures. Airlines have also been leaving less expensive fares open for sale much longer (closer to departure dates) in the face of excess capacity and intensifying competition. The July improvement in travel demand was more the result of deep discounting than stronger incomes or greater economic confidence.
Latin American carriers saw demand decline by 3.5%. This was the only region to see a greater decline in July than the seven month average which is -3.0%.
African carriers saw a fall of 5.5% compared to the seven month average of -8.6%.
Middle Eastern carriers were the only region to grow in July. The 13.2% growth in July was slightly better than the 12.9% recorded in June. The growth is fueled by increased capacity and greater market share in traffic between Europe and Asia.
International Air Freight
Freight demand on international markets was 11.3% lower in July than a year earlier, but was a considerably better result than the -16.5% recorded in June. All regions, except Africa, saw improvement in demand compared to June. The Middle East was the only region to grow.
Falls by Asia-Pacific carriers, European carriers and North American carriers were 9.5%, 16.2% and 14.6% respectively.
African carriers posted the worst performance at -25.9%. This was the only region to see a deterioration in freight demand compared to June when the region’s carriers posted a 20.2% decline compared to the same month in the previous year.
Middle Eastern carriers were the only region to grow, posting a 1% growth in demand compared to July 2008.
Latin American carriers posted a 1.2% fall in demand compared to July 2008.
The stabilization of air freight demand in the first quarter and its improvement in the second quarter has helped reduce the rate at which excess capacity has been growing. But load factors are still lower than levels seen at the same time last year. Downward pressure on freight rates and revenues continued to intensify in July.
“The freight numbers tell an interesting story. The sector is being boosted as companies re-stock depleted inventories. Once inventories are at desired levels in relation to sales, improvements in demand will level off until business and consumer confidence returns. Given the large amount of debt in all sectors of the economy, instant relief is not in the forecast,” said Bisignani.
“Airlines need to make their money in the June-August peak travel season. Planes are full. Load factors are high. But revenues are way down. Conserving cash, effectively managing capacity and cutting costs will be the long-term theme for every business in the air transport value chain,” said Bisignani.
View full July traffic results
-IATA-
Contact:
Anthony Concil
Director Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 22 770 2967
Email: [email protected]
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Si hoc legere scis nimium eruditionis habes
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Q
1) Traffic data for Jul-2009 from the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) reveals some early signs of improvements, with member carriers seeing an uptick in traffic (RPMs) in the month. But US airlines are by no means out of the woods, with the US aviation industry still seeing heavy price discounting. An interesting barometer will be the release of ATA yield data for Jul-2009 shortly. Jun-2009 yields showed further deterioration from May-2009.
RPM reductions milder in Jul-2009 than in 1H2009, but still choppy
During Jul-2009, ATA member traffic (RPM) reductions were generally much milder than in the previous six months of the year. While Pacific RPMs growth showed the most drastic improvement (from -11.9% in Jun-2009 to -1.3% in Jul-2009), the Pacific was the first market to deteriorate last year, with traffic already falling in Mar-2008. By Jul-2008, Pacific RPMs were already down 4.5%, so the decreases are now compounding.
2) BAA stated its UK airports last month had their “best underlying group figures since September 2008”, with Heathrow’s network strength “remaining evident”. BAA's UK airports handled a total of 12.7 million passengers in Jun-2009, down 5.9% year-on-year, the highest figure for nine months, setting aside the distortion in April and March due to the timing of Easter.
The airport operator stated that although all key markets were lower in June than a year earlier, all markets (except European Charter) improved on their performance for the last six months. Domestic traffic was 8.1% down in June and European Scheduled by 2.8%. North Atlantic traffic was 9.4% lower, but Other Long Haul was almost level with last year at -0.2%.
Of the individual airports, Heathrow recorded a decline of 3.1%, stronger than the other airports “because of its hub status and the resultant growth in transfer passengers”. Gatwick traffic was 7.6% down year-on-year, while Stansted’s passenger traffic was down 11.5%.
Some people are naturally optimist, others are not. Although the figures are not fantastic they are showing underlying improvements. Couple to this that Airline growth has been suppressed since 9/11 due to SARS and the current situation, when the World economies recover, then so will the Airlines - with vengeance. We will see who is right over the next 18 months.
RPM reductions milder in Jul-2009 than in 1H2009, but still choppy
During Jul-2009, ATA member traffic (RPM) reductions were generally much milder than in the previous six months of the year. While Pacific RPMs growth showed the most drastic improvement (from -11.9% in Jun-2009 to -1.3% in Jul-2009), the Pacific was the first market to deteriorate last year, with traffic already falling in Mar-2008. By Jul-2008, Pacific RPMs were already down 4.5%, so the decreases are now compounding.
2) BAA stated its UK airports last month had their “best underlying group figures since September 2008”, with Heathrow’s network strength “remaining evident”. BAA's UK airports handled a total of 12.7 million passengers in Jun-2009, down 5.9% year-on-year, the highest figure for nine months, setting aside the distortion in April and March due to the timing of Easter.
The airport operator stated that although all key markets were lower in June than a year earlier, all markets (except European Charter) improved on their performance for the last six months. Domestic traffic was 8.1% down in June and European Scheduled by 2.8%. North Atlantic traffic was 9.4% lower, but Other Long Haul was almost level with last year at -0.2%.
Of the individual airports, Heathrow recorded a decline of 3.1%, stronger than the other airports “because of its hub status and the resultant growth in transfer passengers”. Gatwick traffic was 7.6% down year-on-year, while Stansted’s passenger traffic was down 11.5%.
Some people are naturally optimist, others are not. Although the figures are not fantastic they are showing underlying improvements. Couple to this that Airline growth has been suppressed since 9/11 due to SARS and the current situation, when the World economies recover, then so will the Airlines - with vengeance. We will see who is right over the next 18 months.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai
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I personally think that since the global economy is recovering, why shouldn't the aviation sector go back to pre-recession growth eventually?
Question for QR pilots: on the housing front, do a lot of married-with-family FO's decide to "take the money" and find their own accomodation (compound villas)?
Question for QR pilots: on the housing front, do a lot of married-with-family FO's decide to "take the money" and find their own accomodation (compound villas)?
Last edited by Abeo; 27th Aug 2009 at 16:14. Reason: spelling
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of the Oryx
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It doesn't matter if you are married, at present F/O's are required to live in flats.
Now, you may be able to procure a 3br instead of 2br depending on your circumstances.
Good Luck!
Now, you may be able to procure a 3br instead of 2br depending on your circumstances.
Good Luck!
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: The Gulf
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Pilot accomodation cost cuts, from now cpts only to get 3 bed apprt, fos 2 bed no matter about family. All layover hotels downgrings to 3-4 star hotels at airport costs to be cut all over to make proffit for ipo. B787 to be cencelled
Join Date: Jun 2009
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Cencelled???
Abeo,
All F/O's are required to occupy company housing. Only Capts. have the option to move into the city. This is true regardless of family size.
I know for a fact that there are F/O's with families getting 3br flats. This as recently as 3 weeks ago.
I can't vouch for the hotels on layovers.
Abeo,
All F/O's are required to occupy company housing. Only Capts. have the option to move into the city. This is true regardless of family size.
I know for a fact that there are F/O's with families getting 3br flats. This as recently as 3 weeks ago.
I can't vouch for the hotels on layovers.
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Land of the Oryx
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I wouldn't begin to guess about the size. Only because I would not want you to get your hopes up!
I will say this, they are designed to be fully furnished. And I mean linens kitchen and all. This does not mean you will like the quality of linens and kitchen equipment, but it is functional.
Best bet, when you come for the interview/sim eval, spend an extra day, go to Ain Khalid Gate and look for yourself.
Good Luck!!
I will say this, they are designed to be fully furnished. And I mean linens kitchen and all. This does not mean you will like the quality of linens and kitchen equipment, but it is functional.
Best bet, when you come for the interview/sim eval, spend an extra day, go to Ain Khalid Gate and look for yourself.
Good Luck!!
Join Date: Jun 2007
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Thanks again Capt. Oryx.
I will definitely take the time to check Ain Khalid Gate out.
From what I've seen and read on the internet: not the best looking environment maybe, although pictures don't always do a place justice, but the pools are large and the vibe (for a young family) could be right.
Cheers for the info.
Abeo
I will definitely take the time to check Ain Khalid Gate out.
From what I've seen and read on the internet: not the best looking environment maybe, although pictures don't always do a place justice, but the pools are large and the vibe (for a young family) could be right.
Cheers for the info.
Abeo
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Miami
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Any pics of FO housing for Qatar
Hey guys just wondering if any one has a link, pics or info of the housing for FO's working for Qatar?
Is there any difference in housing between married and single FO's?
Also has any one gotten any info package from the airline like the one Emirate's used to send with city, airline, distractions, etc?
Thanks for your reply in advance
Is there any difference in housing between married and single FO's?
Also has any one gotten any info package from the airline like the one Emirate's used to send with city, airline, distractions, etc?
Thanks for your reply in advance
