Gulf Air Developments
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Thanks IB. Not many could afford the luxury of risking even a few months. Good on him. I think there was a case in GF where someone was successful in suing for the Housing allowance aspect of things .....after.....he had left the island . But, might be hearsay.
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Losses went down by 52%, deliveries of 787's and 320's will starts in 4 years and new destinations will open up in the summer.Conditions are not ideal but hey, GF is recovering from the Majali era pretty well!
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working conditions gulf air
Hi all,
I have been offered an interview with gulf air beginning of July. Anyone could let me know about total package, how much can I expect each month as a PIC A320?
from what I read nobody can tell about the future of the airline..so I won't ask.
What about life in Bahrein with a family?
I dont want to go to Dubai or Abu dhabi.
Thanks in advance.
Regards.
I have been offered an interview with gulf air beginning of July. Anyone could let me know about total package, how much can I expect each month as a PIC A320?
from what I read nobody can tell about the future of the airline..so I won't ask.
What about life in Bahrein with a family?
I dont want to go to Dubai or Abu dhabi.
Thanks in advance.
Regards.
Join Date: Mar 2004
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Hello Lonely planet,
go to the interview and get the job, you will not regret it.
As a new joiner, expect to make between 4200 to 4800 BHD which is around 7600 to 8700 eur roughly, tax free, all inclusive, any amount higher than that could be reached if you become an Instructor or if you have good connections with rostering.
Expect to have excellent ID travel benefits, 48 days of leave and salary that lands on your account every 28th of the month infallibly for the last couple of decades.
Housing allowance is good, could be better though, but still enough to get you a very high standard 3 bedroom flat or even a villa in a secured compound in the western part of Bahrain. If you want a villa on the beach or on a canal, you will be looking at 850 to 1200 BHD rent monthly.
Schooling options for kids are limited and the allowance covers only part of the schooling fees, as per my colleagues who are dealing with this issue.
Life in Bahrain is easy going and the Bahrainis are very friendly and forthcoming, they will go the extra mile to help you settle down and attend to your queries. A very friendly atmosphere all in all, most of the expat families are very happy to live in Bahrain and Bahrain is by far the best place to live in the Gulf: No flashy skyscrapers or multibillion malls or all sorts of restrictions at every corner, just very nice cozy places to gather with families and friends.
Operations wise, just like many other airlines, you ll find amazing colleagues and excellent operators as well as younger colleagues with substandard home upbringing and mucho attitude. The SOP standards are quite high and again, during your training and subsequent re-checks, people are there to check you but to help you as well, if needed.
Once on line, expect a lot of back of the clock sectors, a lot of sectors actually, which will not land you a lot of hours though, count about 58 to 65 hrs monthly, bear in mind that after a series of long nights, your days off will mostly be "sleeping" days, again, unless you make good relationship with rostering as there is big dog fight going on these days for who is going to do the very few European destinations the A320 flies to, as these are nice and easy sectors that bring a lot of hours and hence more dough .
Rumors are that we are getting 787s, additional 320s and so on and so forth, stories that we've heard already many times before, my point is :
don't expect to fly a wide body anytime soon.
Cant think of anything more.
Fire away if you have additional questions and hopefully welcome to the Pearl of the Gulf.
Over
go to the interview and get the job, you will not regret it.
As a new joiner, expect to make between 4200 to 4800 BHD which is around 7600 to 8700 eur roughly, tax free, all inclusive, any amount higher than that could be reached if you become an Instructor or if you have good connections with rostering.
Expect to have excellent ID travel benefits, 48 days of leave and salary that lands on your account every 28th of the month infallibly for the last couple of decades.
Housing allowance is good, could be better though, but still enough to get you a very high standard 3 bedroom flat or even a villa in a secured compound in the western part of Bahrain. If you want a villa on the beach or on a canal, you will be looking at 850 to 1200 BHD rent monthly.
Schooling options for kids are limited and the allowance covers only part of the schooling fees, as per my colleagues who are dealing with this issue.
Life in Bahrain is easy going and the Bahrainis are very friendly and forthcoming, they will go the extra mile to help you settle down and attend to your queries. A very friendly atmosphere all in all, most of the expat families are very happy to live in Bahrain and Bahrain is by far the best place to live in the Gulf: No flashy skyscrapers or multibillion malls or all sorts of restrictions at every corner, just very nice cozy places to gather with families and friends.
Operations wise, just like many other airlines, you ll find amazing colleagues and excellent operators as well as younger colleagues with substandard home upbringing and mucho attitude. The SOP standards are quite high and again, during your training and subsequent re-checks, people are there to check you but to help you as well, if needed.
Once on line, expect a lot of back of the clock sectors, a lot of sectors actually, which will not land you a lot of hours though, count about 58 to 65 hrs monthly, bear in mind that after a series of long nights, your days off will mostly be "sleeping" days, again, unless you make good relationship with rostering as there is big dog fight going on these days for who is going to do the very few European destinations the A320 flies to, as these are nice and easy sectors that bring a lot of hours and hence more dough .
Rumors are that we are getting 787s, additional 320s and so on and so forth, stories that we've heard already many times before, my point is :
don't expect to fly a wide body anytime soon.
Cant think of anything more.
Fire away if you have additional questions and hopefully welcome to the Pearl of the Gulf.
Over
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SA, nice post but a bit one sided. I mean, why did everyone (except those who were stuck) leave ?? I actually agree with everything you said but the bad was very bad. Cross anyone and you are in the deepest poo immaginable. Why is it that quite a few are still looking over their shoulders. I admit, that is probably true of any ex-pat situation. THEN, there is the continuing political unrest. C'mon. give the guy the WHOLE picture and let him come to a reasoned decision. You make it sound irresistable !! It isn't.
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Gents ... and Ladies,
Before I started my reply to Lonelyplanet, I gave it a bit of a thought as to what a new joiner, as I was one myself many years ago, expects initially from an airline he is joining ... Also, I stuck to the fact that Lonelyplanet does not necessarily wants to know where this airline is heading, as he states it himself.
However, Both of you ( BLSA and Landflap ) are right and yes I omitted a few things that are, or were bad, as they might not necessarily affect a new joiner ... so, here are then a few additional ( negative ) points I'd like to share :
There has been a bit of an injustice to quite a few of our colleagues in the recent past, and those had to leave or left on their own accord.
As far as the political situation and unrests are concerned, I can't recall of any one of the fellow pilots who were or are now directly affected by it, they were rather affected by the downsizing of the airline, but then again, those affected by the downsizing, left with a lump sum in their pockets that makes a decade old seniority end of service indemnity look like a joke ! Therefore, at this stage, politics should not be of a concern.
It is very difficult ( for an expat, unless he or she is somehow connected to the management ) to predict where GF is heading and that has been the subject of many previous posts on this thread, as it turns out so far, not even the management knows, or at least they are hiding it well.
GF used to be an airline that one would choose for building up a career: joining on A320, getting A330/340 rating on the house after a short while and even command upgrade, but not any more. There was no pay raise for the last 7 years although the overall cost of living has increased significantly in Bahrain and currently career progression prospects are close to zero for someone in the higher mid seniority.
Still, in my opinion, GF is a good option for several years to come or as a transition to a better option.
This is how I see things at this moment and I hope I corrected my
"one-sidedness" Landflap.
Of course, I stand to be argued upon my views, that's what a forum is all about, I guess ...
Cheers all and happy flying wherever you are
Soft Altitude Out
Before I started my reply to Lonelyplanet, I gave it a bit of a thought as to what a new joiner, as I was one myself many years ago, expects initially from an airline he is joining ... Also, I stuck to the fact that Lonelyplanet does not necessarily wants to know where this airline is heading, as he states it himself.
However, Both of you ( BLSA and Landflap ) are right and yes I omitted a few things that are, or were bad, as they might not necessarily affect a new joiner ... so, here are then a few additional ( negative ) points I'd like to share :
There has been a bit of an injustice to quite a few of our colleagues in the recent past, and those had to leave or left on their own accord.
As far as the political situation and unrests are concerned, I can't recall of any one of the fellow pilots who were or are now directly affected by it, they were rather affected by the downsizing of the airline, but then again, those affected by the downsizing, left with a lump sum in their pockets that makes a decade old seniority end of service indemnity look like a joke ! Therefore, at this stage, politics should not be of a concern.
It is very difficult ( for an expat, unless he or she is somehow connected to the management ) to predict where GF is heading and that has been the subject of many previous posts on this thread, as it turns out so far, not even the management knows, or at least they are hiding it well.
GF used to be an airline that one would choose for building up a career: joining on A320, getting A330/340 rating on the house after a short while and even command upgrade, but not any more. There was no pay raise for the last 7 years although the overall cost of living has increased significantly in Bahrain and currently career progression prospects are close to zero for someone in the higher mid seniority.
Still, in my opinion, GF is a good option for several years to come or as a transition to a better option.
This is how I see things at this moment and I hope I corrected my
"one-sidedness" Landflap.
Of course, I stand to be argued upon my views, that's what a forum is all about, I guess ...
Cheers all and happy flying wherever you are
Soft Altitude Out
SA
Nice to see some positive things to say about GF for a change. Always thought they outweighed the negative. Every airline has good/bad points and GF is no different. Fond memories .
Nice to see some positive things to say about GF for a change. Always thought they outweighed the negative. Every airline has good/bad points and GF is no different. Fond memories .
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Just to add my 2 cents in. Firstly be sure to understand 4200 a month is not what a new joiner will make as a DEC. More like 3800BD then u have to pay for a place to live. Was bringing home on average approx 3200 after housing.(lowest in the region) but u will be paid.
Yes nice place to live for sure. To say its the best in the region is very limited view that i find only comes from people that don't or can't leave. Is a good place in many ways but so are the other options. From someone who has lived in more then one place I find Bahrain was limiting but enjoyable.
Rostering will be an absolute joke. You will find yourself constantly checking your system as changes are hourly. Absolutely no planning for your life. Not saying 320 anywhere else is way better(except qatar) but GF is by far the worst rostering system/mentality in the region. PS don't expect 48 days leave. every year it get cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances
but same people in charge of that 
Colleagues are great. Simple as that. Yes some younger guys are different but its all the same everywhere. In the end cockpit environment is good and everyone just gets the job done! that is a bonus
As far as the political situation to say no one was effected is very narrow minded! Driving through road blocks watching kids throw moltav cocktails are just a few of the thing i personally witnessed that nudged me out the door. Its sad as in general the people are ULTRA friendly compared to next door. If u live in Amwaj and don't ever travel to saar on weekends u will not notice. If u were there the last 3-4 years and u didn't see any effect u had blinders or BSing. Personally I found it ok but wouldn't want to expose my children to that on a long term basis(how it was at its worst i mean) and it could happen again.
All that being said If u need a job its a decent place. Don't expect to change anything! i mean anything! no one will listen but expect to be treated ok and be paid. It is not what it once was, and that is how I choose to remember it, good times.
Yes nice place to live for sure. To say its the best in the region is very limited view that i find only comes from people that don't or can't leave. Is a good place in many ways but so are the other options. From someone who has lived in more then one place I find Bahrain was limiting but enjoyable.
Rostering will be an absolute joke. You will find yourself constantly checking your system as changes are hourly. Absolutely no planning for your life. Not saying 320 anywhere else is way better(except qatar) but GF is by far the worst rostering system/mentality in the region. PS don't expect 48 days leave. every year it get cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances
but same people in charge of that Colleagues are great. Simple as that. Yes some younger guys are different but its all the same everywhere. In the end cockpit environment is good and everyone just gets the job done! that is a bonus
As far as the political situation to say no one was effected is very narrow minded! Driving through road blocks watching kids throw moltav cocktails are just a few of the thing i personally witnessed that nudged me out the door. Its sad as in general the people are ULTRA friendly compared to next door. If u live in Amwaj and don't ever travel to saar on weekends u will not notice. If u were there the last 3-4 years and u didn't see any effect u had blinders or BSing. Personally I found it ok but wouldn't want to expose my children to that on a long term basis(how it was at its worst i mean) and it could happen again.
All that being said
If u need a job its a decent place. Don't expect to change anything! i mean anything! no one will listen but expect to be treated ok and be paid. It is not what it once was, and that is how I choose to remember it, good times.
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SOFT ALT : Thanks for a sensible addition. Nice to have reasonable debate. Have you thought of Politics as a reserve ? I would even buy a second-hand car from you ! I have to say that Bahrain DOES have flashy skyscrapers & my return visits to the Island saw me regularly enjoying the excellent Malls. Retired but doing consultancy stuff bought me back but my last trip was saddened by deserted malls, very few expats to be seen anywhere and an undertone of fear.
Your advice to the interviewee is succinct. I agree. Get the job & enjoy all the good because the good is very good indeed. Do, the job, take the pay keep your head down. Stay out of the Pink Palace & don't mess with the Senior Guys who will do ALL the nice trips while you enjoy endless DBX turnrounds.
Good luck and safe flying to all.
Your advice to the interviewee is succinct. I agree. Get the job & enjoy all the good because the good is very good indeed. Do, the job, take the pay keep your head down. Stay out of the Pink Palace & don't mess with the Senior Guys who will do ALL the nice trips while you enjoy endless DBX turnrounds.
Good luck and safe flying to all.
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Recruitment at Gulf Air
Hi there,
When I check their website for ready entry FO positions, they don't mention any restrictions concerning nationality, and no experience on hrs required. Does that mean that I can apply, as a low hour pilot, when they start recruiting? I'd like to know, if anyone of you guys would know, when r they planning to start accepting CVs.
Thanks.
When I check their website for ready entry FO positions, they don't mention any restrictions concerning nationality, and no experience on hrs required. Does that mean that I can apply, as a low hour pilot, when they start recruiting? I'd like to know, if anyone of you guys would know, when r they planning to start accepting CVs.
Thanks.
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me179, I really am not aware that GF is currently recruiting F/Os, (of any nationality) and by the way, nationality has never been an issue in the recent GF recruitment past, what I know for sure is that they still have a good batch of Bahraini S/Os in the queue to get on line.
So frankly, I wouldn't be holding my breath for an interview date with GF for a F/O position.
Desert Hawk, I really did not mean to divert this subject into a political or a personal one, but cant help then bringing a bit more precision into my point.
Avoiding a few road blocks here and there, smelling tear gas every now and then and all that in quite a limited area in Bahrain doesn't mean that you lost YOUR job !
Does it ?
If you, as a GF pilot lost your job with the company after the events, it clearly means that you took a side politically, otherwise you are still happily doing your 4 sectors and "split" duties or whatever else, or you left the company on your own accord.
When I said that no one was affected by the events, I meant no one of the GF pilot population !
Also, as you are probably aware, expats are mercenaries : as long as you can fly and get paid for it, you stay. Even in the case of government change, if the company would still be offering you a job and the terms are acceptable to you, you will still stay. Doesn't mean that one shouldn't follow what is happening in the country, but one has definitely no place in putting his nose in the political affairs of the country.
You feel unsafe, leave. You are not getting paid or contracting dwindling down, leave, no one could object your decision in such a case.
By the way, many of the current expat captains, including myself got quite a few offers from the neighboring Gulf or other further away carriers, but we chose to stay for the reasons mentioned in my first post.
Regarding the salary for new joiner captains, you might be right : they are probably getting the sum you mention as a basic though, because quite a few of them are doing overtime, hence making much more dinero over the 4000 bar ! Even then, a couple hundred of Dinars difference only as a basic between a new joiner and a senior captain is still injustice towards the latter one, but I hinted about this in my first post regarding the end of service indemnity.
Cheers and safe flying
Soft Altitude out
So frankly, I wouldn't be holding my breath for an interview date with GF for a F/O position.
Desert Hawk, I really did not mean to divert this subject into a political or a personal one, but cant help then bringing a bit more precision into my point.
Avoiding a few road blocks here and there, smelling tear gas every now and then and all that in quite a limited area in Bahrain doesn't mean that you lost YOUR job !
Does it ?
If you, as a GF pilot lost your job with the company after the events, it clearly means that you took a side politically, otherwise you are still happily doing your 4 sectors and "split" duties or whatever else, or you left the company on your own accord.
When I said that no one was affected by the events, I meant no one of the GF pilot population !
Also, as you are probably aware, expats are mercenaries : as long as you can fly and get paid for it, you stay. Even in the case of government change, if the company would still be offering you a job and the terms are acceptable to you, you will still stay. Doesn't mean that one shouldn't follow what is happening in the country, but one has definitely no place in putting his nose in the political affairs of the country.
You feel unsafe, leave. You are not getting paid or contracting dwindling down, leave, no one could object your decision in such a case.
By the way, many of the current expat captains, including myself got quite a few offers from the neighboring Gulf or other further away carriers, but we chose to stay for the reasons mentioned in my first post.
Regarding the salary for new joiner captains, you might be right : they are probably getting the sum you mention as a basic though, because quite a few of them are doing overtime, hence making much more dinero over the 4000 bar ! Even then, a couple hundred of Dinars difference only as a basic between a new joiner and a senior captain is still injustice towards the latter one, but I hinted about this in my first post regarding the end of service indemnity.
Cheers and safe flying
Soft Altitude out
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I grew up in Bahrain, lived in Awali for 12 years until 1989, best times of my life!
Would love the opportunity to fly for GF but unfortunately don't have any Bus or Boeing time, last 9 years on bizjets in Europe.
I wonder if Awali is still as I remember, house 633b, the Bapco club, the swimming pool, the football, golf and softball club... I remember us kids playing the sport, then on our BMXs after while the parents took 'refreshments' in the relevant clubhouses.
Great days!!!
Would love the opportunity to fly for GF but unfortunately don't have any Bus or Boeing time, last 9 years on bizjets in Europe.
I wonder if Awali is still as I remember, house 633b, the Bapco club, the swimming pool, the football, golf and softball club... I remember us kids playing the sport, then on our BMXs after while the parents took 'refreshments' in the relevant clubhouses.
Great days!!!
Last edited by south coast; 26th Jun 2014 at 16:06.
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Guys Sorry for replying late,
Really appreciate all your comments. I can see that you took time to answer me, and thats an indication of the good and friendly atmosphere I can expect in the company!!
Well I can see that all decent jobs on the 320 are on about the same money. I'm just tired of changing airline and place to live every 2 years, because the airline and/or management happen to be crappy and I would appreciate to settle down at least for a few years without having to update my CV and run all over the world for interviews.
lets wait and see.
Look forward to meeting all of you in the near future!
Thanks again.
Really appreciate all your comments. I can see that you took time to answer me, and thats an indication of the good and friendly atmosphere I can expect in the company!!
Well I can see that all decent jobs on the 320 are on about the same money. I'm just tired of changing airline and place to live every 2 years, because the airline and/or management happen to be crappy and I would appreciate to settle down at least for a few years without having to update my CV and run all over the world for interviews.
lets wait and see.
Look forward to meeting all of you in the near future!
Thanks again.