EK April
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: slightly right of the MCP
Hi guyz,
I know this might be the wrong thread to ask this, but i really want to get abit of insight if a move to EK is really worth the billing.
I am currently a 767 F/O at my current airline, with the option of soon to move to the 777 or Command the Embraer 170/190, the pay isn't bad actually as a skipper on the E jet i will be making the same or slightly more than an EK F/O, albeit without the benefits like school fees and housing, but the cost of living here is pretty cheap, and besides its home.
My dilemma is the fact that my wife is currently based in Dubai, and her efforts to get a job back home haven't been very successful, so she has been pushing me to try and apply for EK, my only Question is, is it really worth the hype or i might leave and regret later, my Airline isn't perfect, it has its shortcomings but its a great place to be at, the future also looks promising with 787 orders and 777-300ER's to be delivered next year.
Is it really worth it being a contract pilot in EK?
Honest unbiased answers will be appreciated. thank you
I know this might be the wrong thread to ask this, but i really want to get abit of insight if a move to EK is really worth the billing.
I am currently a 767 F/O at my current airline, with the option of soon to move to the 777 or Command the Embraer 170/190, the pay isn't bad actually as a skipper on the E jet i will be making the same or slightly more than an EK F/O, albeit without the benefits like school fees and housing, but the cost of living here is pretty cheap, and besides its home.
My dilemma is the fact that my wife is currently based in Dubai, and her efforts to get a job back home haven't been very successful, so she has been pushing me to try and apply for EK, my only Question is, is it really worth the hype or i might leave and regret later, my Airline isn't perfect, it has its shortcomings but its a great place to be at, the future also looks promising with 787 orders and 777-300ER's to be delivered next year.
Is it really worth it being a contract pilot in EK?
Honest unbiased answers will be appreciated. thank you
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Odericko,
I'm not sure what you are hoping for by a move to EK, apart from you and your wife's employer being located in the same area.
Ask yourself will your current employer take you back in a few years if you decided to leave EK?
There are many here who left a secure and happy position in search of the elusive greener grass.
If being able to plan ahead and get half decent leave isn't a priority then there's plenty of good points here.
Good luck.
I'm not sure what you are hoping for by a move to EK, apart from you and your wife's employer being located in the same area.
Ask yourself will your current employer take you back in a few years if you decided to leave EK?
There are many here who left a secure and happy position in search of the elusive greener grass.
If being able to plan ahead and get half decent leave isn't a priority then there's plenty of good points here.
Good luck.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 871
Likes: 41
From: Post-Pit and Lovin' It.
Is it really worth it being a contract pilot in EK?
Your wife needs a new job.
Failing that you need a new wife.
Your taking a job with Emirates will only compound her mistake of moving to Dubai.
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: On a Wing!
Odericko,
Wondering why you would call EK a "contract job".
It's not as if you renew your contract every 3 years....!!
It's a permanent job with a real carreer progression.
And it IS worth it!
Cheers..
Wondering why you would call EK a "contract job".
It's not as if you renew your contract every 3 years....!!
It's a permanent job with a real carreer progression.
And it IS worth it!
Cheers..
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 871
Likes: 41
From: Post-Pit and Lovin' It.
Wondering too why you would call it a contract job when really, with EK (as all ME carriers), there is no contract. Not when it doesn't suit them, anyway. Just be aware that the unilateral changes to your "contract" (for lack of a better term for the worthless piece of paper you sign when you join), probably won't enhance your "carreer" progression.
Just curious KOAW, do you even work for Emirates? Not saying that you aren't entitled to your opinion, but I always find it curious that the staunchest defenders of the place are either DECs like Wiz or those trying to obtain employment at EK.
Just curious KOAW, do you even work for Emirates? Not saying that you aren't entitled to your opinion, but I always find it curious that the staunchest defenders of the place are either DECs like Wiz or those trying to obtain employment at EK.
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: slightly right of the MCP
Thanks for your response Cowtown, KOW and Nolimitholdem,
@Cowtown, you said there are a few good pointers within the Airline, if it isn't too much to ask is it possible to just say give me a few, so i way them against the obvious negatives that litter all the middle east threads.
@Nolimitholdem, No holds barred on your post but i still found your comment on me finding a new wife quite humorous,
. Thanks for the insight though, it must be a real sacrifice to fly for EK i guess, Just heard one of our ex capt who went to EK in the early 90's and was a T7 capt, is back home and is keen even for a gig on the E jet, he just got fed up of Dubai and left in 2010, i think i will try to find him and have a one on one.
@KOW, thanks your response is highly appreciated, and yeah always thought EK drivers are hired on contracts or something like that, thanks for the correction.
All the best guyz
@Cowtown, you said there are a few good pointers within the Airline, if it isn't too much to ask is it possible to just say give me a few, so i way them against the obvious negatives that litter all the middle east threads.
@Nolimitholdem, No holds barred on your post but i still found your comment on me finding a new wife quite humorous,
. Thanks for the insight though, it must be a real sacrifice to fly for EK i guess, Just heard one of our ex capt who went to EK in the early 90's and was a T7 capt, is back home and is keen even for a gig on the E jet, he just got fed up of Dubai and left in 2010, i think i will try to find him and have a one on one.@KOW, thanks your response is highly appreciated, and yeah always thought EK drivers are hired on contracts or something like that, thanks for the correction.
All the best guyz
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Odericko
Dubai and EK is what you make it. If your so inclined you can go from f/o to training capt in a little over 5 years. I'm talking about the 777 here. I'm on the bus and will be looking at 7 years plus to a command, thats even with considerable smaller jet command time.
The diverse route structure means you can pretty much cover the globe in a single month. Again I'm talking 777.
Being driven to and from work is a bonus, especially after a tiring night India turn. In return the company get to fudge your duty start time. Not sure how they get away with it, but they do.
Accommodation is to a good standard. We are very happy with our villa.
Education is generally to a high standard.
On the whole it is a safe place to live. Dubai has it's share of problems, but as always you have to go looking for it. Being a father I still take all the usual precautions.
There's lots for the kids to do, all be it at a price! My wife is now an expert at getting the kids from A to B and then on to C!
You learn fairly quickly to take nothing for granted and sadly to trust no one. Being able to pick up the phone and ring your base captain up for a favour just doesn't exist here.
Would I do it again knowing what I now know. Probably, we never learn.
Good luck in your choice.
Dubai and EK is what you make it. If your so inclined you can go from f/o to training capt in a little over 5 years. I'm talking about the 777 here. I'm on the bus and will be looking at 7 years plus to a command, thats even with considerable smaller jet command time.
The diverse route structure means you can pretty much cover the globe in a single month. Again I'm talking 777.
Being driven to and from work is a bonus, especially after a tiring night India turn. In return the company get to fudge your duty start time. Not sure how they get away with it, but they do.
Accommodation is to a good standard. We are very happy with our villa.
Education is generally to a high standard.
On the whole it is a safe place to live. Dubai has it's share of problems, but as always you have to go looking for it. Being a father I still take all the usual precautions.
There's lots for the kids to do, all be it at a price! My wife is now an expert at getting the kids from A to B and then on to C!
You learn fairly quickly to take nothing for granted and sadly to trust no one. Being able to pick up the phone and ring your base captain up for a favour just doesn't exist here.
Would I do it again knowing what I now know. Probably, we never learn.
Good luck in your choice.
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: here
moving with family
Hello Guys,
I am considering EK and would like to know after how long is your family allowed to join you in Dubai.
Is it possible to arrive in Dubai with wife and kids on Day 1 or do we have to wait for a few weeks.
Thanks.
I am considering EK and would like to know after how long is your family allowed to join you in Dubai.
Is it possible to arrive in Dubai with wife and kids on Day 1 or do we have to wait for a few weeks.
Thanks.
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: In a bunk
Heard somewhere that the T & C's aren't very good.
For those out there, what would be the average 'take home' salary assuming approx 75 hours a month(for comparison purposes).
Assuming Captain on 777, staying in company accommodation and with say 2 kids under 18 yrs of age.
Thanks again. Please include allowances.
For those out there, what would be the average 'take home' salary assuming approx 75 hours a month(for comparison purposes).
Assuming Captain on 777, staying in company accommodation and with say 2 kids under 18 yrs of age.
Thanks again. Please include allowances.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 465
Likes: 1
From: UAE
For them to come on day one with you need to get them to authorize your joining ticket so they can come over at the same time or buy a ticket yourself for them. Either way you need to also pay 1000dhs per person for the visa transfer.
The wait for the family visa is around 3 weeks so up to you I'd you think it is worth it.
Kempus
The wait for the family visa is around 3 weeks so up to you I'd you think it is worth it.
Kempus
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: The Pilot Grinder
Bunk, if water is your biggest concern I wish I had your stress free life, every household uses dispenser water it is cheap and delivered to the door, it's 9 dirhams ($2.46 us) per 19 liter bottle.
The tap water is of a reasonable standard but not as good as say Canada,Oz US etc but nowhere near as bad as Africa and further to the east of here.
The tap water is of a reasonable standard but not as good as say Canada,Oz US etc but nowhere near as bad as Africa and further to the east of here.
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: In a bunk
Hey caynine. Thanks for your reply. And yes, the water is right now my biggest problem. And shortly, all of Dubai's problem....
No offense meant to anyone. Just tackling one issue after another...
Thanks y'all.
No offense meant to anyone. Just tackling one issue after another...
Thanks y'all.
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Springfield
The tap water is actually fine. It is desalinated just like the bottled water and to the same purity standard. What is the problem is the delivery system. The pipes, roof top tanks and all the crap that grows in it. You can have it filtered at home or buy the stuff cheap. Bunky the water doesn't fall from the sky here or at least very little of it. Over 90% is desalinated.