Emirates or FlyDubai

[tdk90]

Assuming you had offers from both companies and weren't concerned about the type of flying or aircraft type which company would you choose?

My priorities would be:

Pay assuming FO seat for 3-5 years
Best benefit package including housing, education allowance etc.

On the face of it it seems the pay is similar but there is no company housing provided with FlyDubai.

Thanks

[Wizofoz]

Perhaps not as easy a decision as it might seem-

Pay- If it is about the same, but does NOT include housing for FD, factor that in. Say, 150 000DHS/yr for a reasonable Villa, less for an Apartment. What are FD offering for Education?

Upgrade- faster at FD.

Lifestyle- Home every night with FD, but home after a LONG, tiring day. Probably more days off at EK, but also more night away.

If what you mention are the ONLY things that matter, FD might have the edge because of faster upgrade if nothing else-

But there IS more to life...

[dubaigong]

Every night at home at Flydubai will not be true anymore ... , from October we are starting lay over at Dhaka and Chittagong
Who knows what will be next...

[BritishGuy]

I had a similar dilema. I've cut this one up in as many ways that I can, and in my head Emirates has come on top everytime.

FD works for some, but it's forever changing. If you're a Captain and want to remain one then FD may be the best choice. If you're an FO under the age of 35 (being generous) then EK would be the better gig. Because it is the better gig. They have better health insurance, a provident fund, a pick up-drop off and the option of company housing. I didn't care about these things in the begining as I had a "show me the money" attitude. But now I realize that some of those 'perks' are worth their weight in gold. I don't know about you, but I hate driving home after a night Dhaka flight - so tired it's a fight to stay awke on the SZR!

Just wanted to add, that if you're a single guy, again EK is better. FD starts to feel like a 9-5 job after a while. You're forever running back and forth from the 'office' (airport). With EK, at least you may get a few decent overnights. Unless you have a reason to stay in Dubai a lot (eg Family), it might be nice to travel the globe a little, see some places, meet some women

Just my 2 cents worth.

[tothepoint]

It all depends on how long you plan to spend working overseas.

FZ - if you would like to upgrade a little faster and then move back to your country for a DEC or other contracting jobs. FZ is not a long term career job. In the previous month 3 Captain and 2 F/o's resigned and thats just the start. This always is the case in a new expanding airline finding its groove. Upgrades currently at a drip!! possibly 3+ yrs for new joiners.

EK - if you plan to stay in Dubai and work LONG TERM. Single or family it doesn't matter the package far exceeds what is on offer with Flydubai. Not so much final pay but expendable income, provident fund, medical, staff travel, no bills, profit share... the list continues... worried about driving home from a late night long flight, company provides transport to and from home. EK command 5-8yrs at an estimate. EK Capt benefits once 10+yrs service far outway the hard earned slog at FZ over the same period.
The other great thing about EK is that you don't have cabin fever stuck in Dubai, you can get trips home and to other places around the world which give you a well needed break from Dubai.

Just my 2 bob worth

[tdk90]

Thanks for the replies guys, this is good stuff! I'm not solely motivated by money but my wife is only going to sign on to all this if the pay is good and we get a chance to save some money. I have 2 kids, so accommodation and schooling is very important.

[fliion]

ToThepoint hit the nail on the head.

I spoke to a senior FZ Capt who liked the idea originally of staying in DXB and now is dying for the o/nights...he's in a conumdrum because the thought of doing the LCC slog for the rest of his career is one thing if in home country but here...not even close.

He is exploring all angles with EK but he's not so sure there is an out.

[BritishGuy]

I have kids, and let me tell you, Emirates is far more established and all. They have a much stronger reputation in this part of the world. They also have a established links with companies and schools and the like.

If your kids end up going to JESS school lets say, Emirates will pay your debenture for your child. FD on the other hand, you're on your own.

Go anywhere for discounts (eg FedEx, Car Rental places etc) and they have agreements in place for EK, but not FD. These aren't make or break points, but just a few 'extras' to think about in the overall scheme of things.

I know these are small (some may say petty) things, but over a period of 10 years, it all adds up.

[sheikmyarse]

neither of the two

neither of the two... my friend... neither of the two.

[Oblaaspop]

And just so that you know, sheiky (above) got fired from EK (hence the bitterness) and has never worked for Fly Dubai......... Sage advice indeed!

[leftarmover]

Please explain where the ‘bitterness’ is in ‘sheikmyarse’s ‘ post ‘Oblaasopop’..
To anyone coming from ‘first world’ employment to work in Dubai it is easerly argued only integrity is present in so few words..
Is it only when you’ve left that you regain your ability to express yourself honestly one wonders..?

[fatbus]

Those that get fired, quit prematurely or fail the interview (especially at the Sim phase ) are quick to dump all over EK. It's does have its problems ( some people bring their own - wife ) and for most the shine wears off after a year or two. LCC wears you out but so does 90+ mixed hours. Single lots of fun be had, married with kids= schooling for young kids is great, older kids and an even older ..... , depends where you are from. You will not be able to see family as much as you think.

[Chirpy Pilot]

With regards to FlyDubai, I applied about 5 weeks ago and there is no update on application, just says waiting decision for screening. Is this normal.

[mbw2]

What are the schedules like...daytrips and all nighters? Please explain, possibly with some examples. Any pilot here with family & small kids, how is FD working out and do you recommend it?
thanks

[FZckntkawrap]

It's a 24 hour operation. Flights depart at all times of the clock. Longest duty is around a 14 hour day leaving Dubai around 9am for the Russia and East Europe flights. Shortest duty would be a Muscat or Doha rt, which would be a 4 hour 30 min duty which could leave at 1pm or 1am. The worst duty for some is the 8pm report to fly to Columbo and back to Dubai after 8am. 70% of the report times are very late PM or early AM reports. Most of the midday reports are used for training, but training also takes place on the night reports as well. It works for some, others hate it and having a family doesn't seem to be a make or break factor with liking the company.

[Diz]

Capt@FZ or FO@EK

I have a question.
Is it a good idea to go to DXB as an FO with EK? or a Capt with FZ?

I am current NG rated capt and company in deep s**t.

So is it wise to come all the way to the ME to become an FO again and wait for command for 3-5 years?

please help..

[scandistralian]

Don't forget with EK you can opt out of company accom and get 160,000 AED/year in 2 x 80,000AED cheques and also ERP, depending on where your base currency is, my AUD based ERP is worth about 1800 AED/month at the moment...

My flydubai friends are relatively happy, working quite a bit and home every night, in EK I have more days off, but also a fair few days away from Dubai too. We all seem to make enough time to embarrass ourselves at the various EPC discounted golf courses and drink our fair share of 15 AED beers on the beach!

[FZckntkawrap]

It is not wise to come to the middle east......unless you have an exit strategy.

[flying for fun]

FZ DEC

FZ have stopped recruiting Direct Entry Captains - that might help with the decision process!

[NGFellow]

My suggestion is that if your airline is in dire straits and you are convinced you will be out a job in the foreseeable future, then you need to consider all available options which could include FlyDubai, EK etc. For one there is no guarantee that you will be selected and so don't put all your eggs in one basket. Once you have interviewed with the lot and have "firm" offers, you can decide on what suits you best. As someone rightly said, have an exit plan and assess where you can go after life here. For many, 5-6 years can be a lifetime. In many ways flying for an airline here is nothing like what you may have been used to elsewhere. I am referring to quality of life etc. Many will argue that QOL here is reduced significantly because in many cases there isn't a monthly bid as such and days off are given mainly for regulatory purposes and not so you can enjoy a nice family life.