EK advice please
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3 flights a month? Maybe on the 380 mate but on the reality fleet I'm on max yearly hrs with a lot more than 3 trips a month. Final salary pension? Is that what you call our 17.5 % lol, and yes it does rise upto 20% after 10 years. BA is a job for life, ek is a job for 10 years unless you don't mind looking like Gollum. And as the question is asked above, where do you go after ek?
Just because it's the only thing around at the moment, doesn't mean it's a good thing.
Just because it's the only thing around at the moment, doesn't mean it's a good thing.
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Atis,
The biggest factor really in jumping from the Uk to DXB is whether you have a family or not. If you are single, then, why not? BUT if you have a family it gets far more complicated. We did our obligatory 10 years there but also at a time when command was a "snappy" (as I remember it) 3 years. Having excellent career progression made the decision easier at the time. Now this is not the case, so you really do need to weigh things up.
If it were me with a family, I would say unequivocally, no way. There are just too many things that affect your quality of life with a wife and kids there. Schooling is a real big challenge. The good British schools are next to impossible to get into, and others just feel like expensive bricks and mortar with a revolving door of teachers...not very good I am afraid. Plus it is an utter crap shoot whether the school you get your offspring into, and your allocated company villa are even remotely close together. Your wife could conceivably be spending the better part of her day on the roads in crazy traffic....it is nerve racking and mind numbing and zero quality of life for her.
Our kids were never particularly healthy there. This part of the world has some of the worst air quality (though there is no transparency or reporting around this). Living in air conditioning with the potential for lots of mould makes asthma a real issue for young kids. We spent a fortune on getting our units cleaned and serviced every year and our kids were on so many steroids it boggled our minds.
The weather is nice six months of the year...don't let anyone tell you differently. Once it hots up, it is just hot and solidly uncomfortable from mid-May through to mid-November. Expect to spend the majority of your time in three places - your villa, the mall, the pool. Fine for awhile but gets old quickly. You can pretty much count on spending your entire summer apart from your family when they escape the heat. Rosters and leave are not what they used to be and time out of Dubai with your family during peak leave periods has become an utter luxury as opposed to the norm.
There are many more frustrations that may or may not be an issue to you but really think about how your family would spend the better part of 10 years there.
We are glad to have had the opportunity but completely thrilled to be gone. We were diligent and saved loads and did a lot of travel. Our quality of life is so far superior now, I would never, ever dream of setting foot back in the pit.
The biggest factor really in jumping from the Uk to DXB is whether you have a family or not. If you are single, then, why not? BUT if you have a family it gets far more complicated. We did our obligatory 10 years there but also at a time when command was a "snappy" (as I remember it) 3 years. Having excellent career progression made the decision easier at the time. Now this is not the case, so you really do need to weigh things up.
If it were me with a family, I would say unequivocally, no way. There are just too many things that affect your quality of life with a wife and kids there. Schooling is a real big challenge. The good British schools are next to impossible to get into, and others just feel like expensive bricks and mortar with a revolving door of teachers...not very good I am afraid. Plus it is an utter crap shoot whether the school you get your offspring into, and your allocated company villa are even remotely close together. Your wife could conceivably be spending the better part of her day on the roads in crazy traffic....it is nerve racking and mind numbing and zero quality of life for her.
Our kids were never particularly healthy there. This part of the world has some of the worst air quality (though there is no transparency or reporting around this). Living in air conditioning with the potential for lots of mould makes asthma a real issue for young kids. We spent a fortune on getting our units cleaned and serviced every year and our kids were on so many steroids it boggled our minds.
The weather is nice six months of the year...don't let anyone tell you differently. Once it hots up, it is just hot and solidly uncomfortable from mid-May through to mid-November. Expect to spend the majority of your time in three places - your villa, the mall, the pool. Fine for awhile but gets old quickly. You can pretty much count on spending your entire summer apart from your family when they escape the heat. Rosters and leave are not what they used to be and time out of Dubai with your family during peak leave periods has become an utter luxury as opposed to the norm.
There are many more frustrations that may or may not be an issue to you but really think about how your family would spend the better part of 10 years there.
We are glad to have had the opportunity but completely thrilled to be gone. We were diligent and saved loads and did a lot of travel. Our quality of life is so far superior now, I would never, ever dream of setting foot back in the pit.
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Stay in the UK. Emirates will run you into the ground, then when you are on death's door they will kick you out of the country with a f&%# you very much.
One can not do long haul at 93 hours on the 777 and 97-98 hours on the 380 and let's not talk about the 330. No one knows what they are thinking.
If an EK pilot was to do 75 hours a month or 3 trips a month like most long haul pilots it would be a lot less burdensome, the whole experience of EK and DXB that is.
I know it is a good deal for the Ryan Air pilots and the like sort but Emirates is not a good long haul airlne. Stay in the UK
One can not do long haul at 93 hours on the 777 and 97-98 hours on the 380 and let's not talk about the 330. No one knows what they are thinking.
If an EK pilot was to do 75 hours a month or 3 trips a month like most long haul pilots it would be a lot less burdensome, the whole experience of EK and DXB that is.
I know it is a good deal for the Ryan Air pilots and the like sort but Emirates is not a good long haul airlne. Stay in the UK
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First of all scotty777! Got a date yet? Still gonna hold you to that joy ride next time i'm up north!
So do I work for a different airline to everyone else who is posting here? I have never worked 92hrs and averaging 62hrs a month for the year. I would suggest a visit to the crs bidding day. My kids are in a good British school, I pay an additional 2500dhs to top the fees up then claim back 800dhs for transport. I spend the difference on a night out in dubai and that is unfortunately easily done.
I agree with what is said about the weather, air con has its pros and cons if you keep it clean but then that's the same for your bathroom.
I have been here a mere year, I put more in my pocket than my mates with 5yrs seniority at BA. "Pension" wise it is comparable to BARP as it is only taken from year 1 long haul salary ie it never increases and with EK increasing thier contributions with increasing basic long term, little in it. Final salary is gone for us and why it is still mentioned is beyond me!
Dubai is a place you need to take with a pinch of salt, a rather large pinch of salt. I'm luck I leave the place at least 3 times a month. The mrs really likes Dubai but then we are out of the city, have a garden, safe surroundings and there are little in the way of locals around us. Speaking of locals, they are hit or miss! I've met plenty of nice ones but there is the odd one that does ruin it for them all.
What else can I say. If BA offered me a job would I take it. Yes. I wouldn't have applied otherwise. I did work out however with a mate who was one of the last taken on that he would make an additional 250k more than me over our careers due to the new "pay scale". We are of comparable age and the likes. That is a wedge of cash in anyone's books.
Oh and I'm no BA reject, I passed selection only to expire in the holdpool. Guess I'm worth as much to BA as I am to EK.
Final thought, pprune is full of either willy wavers or bitter buggers.
Fly safe.
So do I work for a different airline to everyone else who is posting here? I have never worked 92hrs and averaging 62hrs a month for the year. I would suggest a visit to the crs bidding day. My kids are in a good British school, I pay an additional 2500dhs to top the fees up then claim back 800dhs for transport. I spend the difference on a night out in dubai and that is unfortunately easily done.
I agree with what is said about the weather, air con has its pros and cons if you keep it clean but then that's the same for your bathroom.
I have been here a mere year, I put more in my pocket than my mates with 5yrs seniority at BA. "Pension" wise it is comparable to BARP as it is only taken from year 1 long haul salary ie it never increases and with EK increasing thier contributions with increasing basic long term, little in it. Final salary is gone for us and why it is still mentioned is beyond me!
Dubai is a place you need to take with a pinch of salt, a rather large pinch of salt. I'm luck I leave the place at least 3 times a month. The mrs really likes Dubai but then we are out of the city, have a garden, safe surroundings and there are little in the way of locals around us. Speaking of locals, they are hit or miss! I've met plenty of nice ones but there is the odd one that does ruin it for them all.
What else can I say. If BA offered me a job would I take it. Yes. I wouldn't have applied otherwise. I did work out however with a mate who was one of the last taken on that he would make an additional 250k more than me over our careers due to the new "pay scale". We are of comparable age and the likes. That is a wedge of cash in anyone's books.
Oh and I'm no BA reject, I passed selection only to expire in the holdpool. Guess I'm worth as much to BA as I am to EK.
Final thought, pprune is full of either willy wavers or bitter buggers.
Fly safe.
Last edited by Kempus; 10th Apr 2013 at 07:54.
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It's no coincidence that the vast majority of new-hires in the last rush were from Ryanair - by comparison, Emirates feels like a step up (and no doubt is).
But draw your own conclusions from that fact.
Emirates is better than unemployment probably (depending on your country's largesse with unemployment benefits. lol) It's better than Ryanair perhaps, and other various bottom-feeder operators. (Although you have to factor in Dubai, which evens the scales considerably). But I would have to agree with the other posters that leaving your home country and a job there - including even a promised job in a hold pool - would be crazy at this point in time. And in the future, if trends hold. Given the lies of roster relief and relentless grinding down of layover times, allowances, etc, there is no evidence that things will ever do anything but deteriorate.
There is no sustainability for individuals at 90+ hours/month of flying. For the company - maybe. As long as they can find another tube of toothpaste to squeeze until it's empty and discard, repeat.
Pointing to 20-year employees is a farce, as the playing field 20 years ago bears no resemblance to the current one. Hell, the one 10 years ago. 5 years ago. But yes, EK does still pay for your uniform...
But draw your own conclusions from that fact.
Emirates is better than unemployment probably (depending on your country's largesse with unemployment benefits. lol) It's better than Ryanair perhaps, and other various bottom-feeder operators. (Although you have to factor in Dubai, which evens the scales considerably). But I would have to agree with the other posters that leaving your home country and a job there - including even a promised job in a hold pool - would be crazy at this point in time. And in the future, if trends hold. Given the lies of roster relief and relentless grinding down of layover times, allowances, etc, there is no evidence that things will ever do anything but deteriorate.
There is no sustainability for individuals at 90+ hours/month of flying. For the company - maybe. As long as they can find another tube of toothpaste to squeeze until it's empty and discard, repeat.
Pointing to 20-year employees is a farce, as the playing field 20 years ago bears no resemblance to the current one. Hell, the one 10 years ago. 5 years ago. But yes, EK does still pay for your uniform...
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777_Scotty
Sorry it has not worked out for you and best of luck back home. I bet you're already looking forward to UK crew security
How much of the initial bond do you still owe EK and are they chasing you for it?
ATIS, what hobbies do you and your family enjoy? Can you do them over here. Having a transferable life was a good indicator for us as to whether we could make life out here work.
People keep saying, what to do after EK..? Who knows. The world will be a different place whenever that time comes and I doubt I'll fly up to retirement age anyhow.
Sorry it has not worked out for you and best of luck back home. I bet you're already looking forward to UK crew security
How much of the initial bond do you still owe EK and are they chasing you for it?
ATIS, what hobbies do you and your family enjoy? Can you do them over here. Having a transferable life was a good indicator for us as to whether we could make life out here work.
People keep saying, what to do after EK..? Who knows. The world will be a different place whenever that time comes and I doubt I'll fly up to retirement age anyhow.
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Craggenmore
Thanks mate. I came here from low cost really hoping to give this place a chance. A run in with Accommodation when they refused to move me out a flat that had sewage flowing from the aircon, and a lovely encounter with the Dubai police as a witness to a girl that was assaulted and nearly being jailed myself, really opened my eyes to the company and how ex-pats are regarded by the local police. Like I posted above the carpet can be swept from under your feet very quickly here in DXB.
You are a Guest and to some a quite unwelcome one at that.
Compared to that, the argument whether a yoghurt is a solid or a liquid is quite trivial lol.
Kempus
Mate your welcome to a ride in the provost anytime ( EK wouldn't let me fly it) I welcome your open and honest answers on here, it was such as shame what happened to you guys in the BA holdpool. You asked about an airline that doesn't treat you badly and work you max hrs, I can name at least one lol...Virgin... Its still in the contract for 750hrs a year max anyway and of the 10 guys I know there on the line for a good number of years, they're very happy.
Now I realise that these, "good" companies are few and far between these days. I understand the frustration working for O'Leary....however I would suggest sitting it out with a 737 command in a base of your choice (I know that's easier said than done hence why i'm here) working 5 on 4 off with little long term fatigue and waiting for the BA's and virgin's of this world might be a better idea than jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. There are others options too Thomas cook, Thompson, Monarch ,Titan, Global supply systems and I'd even say EasyJet might be a better shout than coming to the sandpit.
But in the end your situation might dictate that you have no other choice.. In that case fair enough and the best of luck to you.. Honestly. I think the suggestions of fully embracing the place and making it your home as best as you can is a great idea, and try to block out the criticism of the place. Be wise though and save the pennies and have a good think where your heading after your spell here.
This is only my 3rd post in 5 years on prune, I usually stay away as I hate the negativity. However I really wanted to let people have a good think about this move. If I had know then what I know now I wouldn't be here.
Good luck to you all and safe flying.
Thanks mate. I came here from low cost really hoping to give this place a chance. A run in with Accommodation when they refused to move me out a flat that had sewage flowing from the aircon, and a lovely encounter with the Dubai police as a witness to a girl that was assaulted and nearly being jailed myself, really opened my eyes to the company and how ex-pats are regarded by the local police. Like I posted above the carpet can be swept from under your feet very quickly here in DXB.
You are a Guest and to some a quite unwelcome one at that.Compared to that, the argument whether a yoghurt is a solid or a liquid is quite trivial lol.
Kempus
Mate your welcome to a ride in the provost anytime ( EK wouldn't let me fly it) I welcome your open and honest answers on here, it was such as shame what happened to you guys in the BA holdpool. You asked about an airline that doesn't treat you badly and work you max hrs, I can name at least one lol...Virgin... Its still in the contract for 750hrs a year max anyway and of the 10 guys I know there on the line for a good number of years, they're very happy.
Now I realise that these, "good" companies are few and far between these days. I understand the frustration working for O'Leary....however I would suggest sitting it out with a 737 command in a base of your choice (I know that's easier said than done hence why i'm here) working 5 on 4 off with little long term fatigue and waiting for the BA's and virgin's of this world might be a better idea than jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. There are others options too Thomas cook, Thompson, Monarch ,Titan, Global supply systems and I'd even say EasyJet might be a better shout than coming to the sandpit.
But in the end your situation might dictate that you have no other choice.. In that case fair enough and the best of luck to you.. Honestly. I think the suggestions of fully embracing the place and making it your home as best as you can is a great idea, and try to block out the criticism of the place. Be wise though and save the pennies and have a good think where your heading after your spell here.
This is only my 3rd post in 5 years on prune, I usually stay away as I hate the negativity. However I really wanted to let people have a good think about this move. If I had know then what I know now I wouldn't be here.
Good luck to you all and safe flying.
Last edited by 777_Scotty; 13th Apr 2013 at 09:45.
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The key to enjoying life at EK and Dubai, I believe, is having the option to leave whenever you want to. If you move wife, kids and whole life here and are financially dependant on Emirates, then you will feel trapped when the shine wears off or you fall foul of some 'cultural' sensitivity. If you can come over for a look see and have the sense to save a bit of cash, then why not try it for a couple of years - it will certainly be an experience, it might even be a career.
I would not have given up a good job to try it but had no qualms about leaving a certain low-cost airline.
I have to say that in my year and a half here I have yet to meet a colleague who really enjoys the job. Some have few other options (S Africans, Brazilians, Zimbabweans spring to mind). Some are easily impressed by a bit of sun (Brits?), the bling or the fact that their kids are in a 'private school'. Ryanair pilots are just glad to be fed. Most justify being here in terms of the 'lifestyle' it gives them. Unfortunately, for many, that lifestyle traps them into remaining here past their sell by date.
Personally, I find long-haul fairly tedious and incompatible with my desire to live a long and healthy life. I have kicked the ar5e out of the route network, staff travel and Dubai's limited charms and am looking forward to leaving this year. I'm glad to have flown ALL over the world in some great aircraft and even happier that I won't have to do it much longer. One layover in Dhaka is really all you need.
So, no, I would not recommend EK over BA. But, on the other hand, you may want to spend the best 25 years of your life doing 900 hours a year in a wide variety of time zones while devising ever more elaborate ways to pass your free time. Takes all sorts.
I would not have given up a good job to try it but had no qualms about leaving a certain low-cost airline.
I have to say that in my year and a half here I have yet to meet a colleague who really enjoys the job. Some have few other options (S Africans, Brazilians, Zimbabweans spring to mind). Some are easily impressed by a bit of sun (Brits?), the bling or the fact that their kids are in a 'private school'. Ryanair pilots are just glad to be fed. Most justify being here in terms of the 'lifestyle' it gives them. Unfortunately, for many, that lifestyle traps them into remaining here past their sell by date.
Personally, I find long-haul fairly tedious and incompatible with my desire to live a long and healthy life. I have kicked the ar5e out of the route network, staff travel and Dubai's limited charms and am looking forward to leaving this year. I'm glad to have flown ALL over the world in some great aircraft and even happier that I won't have to do it much longer. One layover in Dhaka is really all you need.
So, no, I would not recommend EK over BA. But, on the other hand, you may want to spend the best 25 years of your life doing 900 hours a year in a wide variety of time zones while devising ever more elaborate ways to pass your free time. Takes all sorts.
Look at the time-stamp on Sittys post, 380.
He should be out of bed and sober shortly- then it will be deleted.
Sitty, face it- you have a problem.
He should be out of bed and sober shortly- then it will be deleted.
Sitty, face it- you have a problem.
Last edited by Wizofoz; 13th Apr 2013 at 07:18.
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A380... Mate, why do you let yourself get wound up by SI?
I can honestly say that having been a regular visitor to Pprune since it was started many moons ago, SI is quite possibly the strangest poster/character I have ever seen on these forums!
The sad thing is that on occasion, he does actually post some useful content in the first half of his posts only to make himself look like a complete tool 3 lines (of cocaine probably) later by having a pop at the Brits or his latest target of colonial hatred..... Incidentally SI, did you know that Pprune was set up by a Brit? (along with the airline that pays your salary BTW).
He pretends to know all and be an authority on all and dare anyone disagree, he starts to get nasty. I would suggest that this is the very type of personality that should be as far away from the flight deck as possible...... Sadly that doesn't appear to be the case.
SI, you claim you are not a whinger.... Well, this may be true, but my god you don't half moan a lot for a happy chappy! However I did particularly like one of your posts from the A380 crew rest thread..... you remember buddy, the one you (or admin) deleted.... The one where you said that Airbus agreed with you on the placement of the crew rest area. Dear god how I laughed at that statement - I can just imagine a little red telephone on your office desk ringing away at all hours with Toulouse on the other end asking for your opinion on the way their aircraft should be designed! I mean why not? You have an opinion on everything else FFS!
Do yourself a favour, pipe down, be factual and stop being so god damned rude to your colleagues!
Thank you
I can honestly say that having been a regular visitor to Pprune since it was started many moons ago, SI is quite possibly the strangest poster/character I have ever seen on these forums!
The sad thing is that on occasion, he does actually post some useful content in the first half of his posts only to make himself look like a complete tool 3 lines (of cocaine probably) later by having a pop at the Brits or his latest target of colonial hatred..... Incidentally SI, did you know that Pprune was set up by a Brit? (along with the airline that pays your salary BTW).
He pretends to know all and be an authority on all and dare anyone disagree, he starts to get nasty. I would suggest that this is the very type of personality that should be as far away from the flight deck as possible...... Sadly that doesn't appear to be the case.
SI, you claim you are not a whinger.... Well, this may be true, but my god you don't half moan a lot for a happy chappy! However I did particularly like one of your posts from the A380 crew rest thread..... you remember buddy, the one you (or admin) deleted.... The one where you said that Airbus agreed with you on the placement of the crew rest area. Dear god how I laughed at that statement - I can just imagine a little red telephone on your office desk ringing away at all hours with Toulouse on the other end asking for your opinion on the way their aircraft should be designed! I mean why not? You have an opinion on everything else FFS!
Do yourself a favour, pipe down, be factual and stop being so god damned rude to your colleagues!
Thank you
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I think Sitty is in a state of depression hence his angry man act continues.
Since he espoused to everyone that paper currency is doomed and gold was your only man...the price has collapsed 20% since summer 2011.
Wrong again...at least he's consistent.
f.
Since he espoused to everyone that paper currency is doomed and gold was your only man...the price has collapsed 20% since summer 2011.
Wrong again...at least he's consistent.
f.
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What nationality does anyone reckon Sittingidly is? A guess would be American or Canadian without having done any real research into his many posts. Spells English the American way I notice using z instead of s
PS Just seen a financial comment that gold has further to fall
PS Just seen a financial comment that gold has further to fall
Last edited by millerscourt; 13th Apr 2013 at 11:19.
Unfortunately I think he is an ozmate. Maybe he never got over the whole ansett going bust thing.
My favourite SI post was the one where he said he sold his gold at a high a week after he had told everyone they were stupid if they didn't buy it and silver when gold was at $1800 and silver at $50.
At least he is an honest moron as he has never pretended to be anything other than one.
The Don
My favourite SI post was the one where he said he sold his gold at a high a week after he had told everyone they were stupid if they didn't buy it and silver when gold was at $1800 and silver at $50.
At least he is an honest moron as he has never pretended to be anything other than one.
The Don
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Followed a close second with the post where he said he would run down SZR naked if gold was lower 12 mos later.
I put it in my calendar...checked a year later...gold was lower....and that specific post was deleted!
LOL You can't make this up.
f.
I put it in my calendar...checked a year later...gold was lower....and that specific post was deleted!
LOL You can't make this up.
f.
Last edited by fliion; 13th Apr 2013 at 12:41.
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The Don I think American or Australian but of Irish descent which could explain his vitriol towards Brits or perhaps his distant relative poached a rabbit off my relative's estates
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Originally Posted by millerscourt
his distant relative poached a rabbit off my relative's estates
