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EK April

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Old 21st Mar 2012, 09:33
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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
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Old 21st Mar 2012, 10:16
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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.
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Old 21st Mar 2012, 11:38
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Is it really worth it being a contract pilot in EK?
No.

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.
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Old 21st Mar 2012, 11:46
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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..
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Old 21st Mar 2012, 12:46
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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.
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Old 21st Mar 2012, 22:31
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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
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Old 22nd Mar 2012, 03:53
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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.
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Old 22nd Mar 2012, 08:18
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Joining EK

On the subject of EK and Dubai etc and the business of DEC...if Cx were offering the same, would you make the move to HKG??
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Old 23rd Mar 2012, 12:46
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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.
Arthsy is offline  
Old 23rd Mar 2012, 15:57
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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.
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Old 24th Mar 2012, 02:41
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Arthsy,

A good buddy of mine arrived with his family on day one, no problems at all.
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Old 24th Mar 2012, 11:39
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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
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Old 24th Mar 2012, 12:09
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Thanks for the info Cowtown and Kempus.

Cheers.
Arthsy is offline  
Old 27th Mar 2012, 12:19
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Guys hows the drinking water situation in Dubai. Is the tap water in the villas drinkable, like in most western countries. How does one manage if not. Kindly shed some light.
Thanks.
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Old 27th Mar 2012, 13:14
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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.
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Old 27th Mar 2012, 14:10
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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.
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Old 1st Apr 2012, 16:50
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Spoke to some of my colleagues here. Something about tap water not being potable. Thus the dispensers i guess.
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Old 2nd Apr 2012, 03:46
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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.
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Old 2nd Apr 2012, 06:42
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EK April becomes a question on tap-water quality?

And asking the same question over again from another thread?

halas
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Old 2nd Apr 2012, 08:11
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Halas. Shukran for the upbeat reply. And for monioring my posts.....
Just a very genuine question from my end. Thx for the replies all.
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