Flydubai: Need to know BEFORE applying
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flydubai: Need to know BEFORE applying
Hi all,
Before you apply to Flydubai, here is a warning from somebody working there.
We are working hard, alternating from day to night and back to day all the time. The roster system has been blocked on 2 days OFF in a row maximum (no 3 days OFF, and don't even think about 4).
We go to war zones, without extra pay, and little concern about our safety. They are planning to send us to Mogadishu in the near future, to give you an example (think about that if you have a family: will you accept to fly there?).
When we feel we're so exhausted it would be dangerous to even drive to work, then we call fatigued (most of us never did that before in their entire career). Or we refuse to go on discretion on flights that were planned with little margin before max FDP (we regularly depart Dubai already on discretion (!)).
But so far, most of us were doing our maximum, hoping to see an improvement in the future, and trying to keep safe operations, even if we were feeling a bit alone on this front.
If you apply to Flydubai, apply with your eyes open.
Before you apply to Flydubai, here is a warning from somebody working there.
We are working hard, alternating from day to night and back to day all the time. The roster system has been blocked on 2 days OFF in a row maximum (no 3 days OFF, and don't even think about 4).
We go to war zones, without extra pay, and little concern about our safety. They are planning to send us to Mogadishu in the near future, to give you an example (think about that if you have a family: will you accept to fly there?).
When we feel we're so exhausted it would be dangerous to even drive to work, then we call fatigued (most of us never did that before in their entire career). Or we refuse to go on discretion on flights that were planned with little margin before max FDP (we regularly depart Dubai already on discretion (!)).
But so far, most of us were doing our maximum, hoping to see an improvement in the future, and trying to keep safe operations, even if we were feeling a bit alone on this front.
If you apply to Flydubai, apply with your eyes open.
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: not in Dubai anymore
Age: 94
Posts: 713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you can work as much as you want, it will never get better, your outfit is like EK just with a much worse route structure, in the UAE you always work to the max
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: dubai
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
everything is 15 - 30% more expensive than the uk including accommodation which begins at circa £655pcm for a 2 bed flat in the cheapest area to £1900pcm for a small 3 bed semi and £2350+pcm for a 4 bed.
Utilities cost circa £2200pa for a 3 bed with an irrigated garden and the a/c being used only in the room that you are currently in ie turning off a/c's as you move around the house.
Oh, and the school allowance will leave you with a short fall of a minimum of £500pa per child up to £4000pa depending on where you can actually get a school place.
Shipping to Dubai will cost £3800 for a 4 bed house and return shipping back to the uk is more expensive circa £4500 (for the same size load).
The company does the barest minimum in every single respect; rosters late, crap crew food, deliberate avoidance of gratuity by making pay increases only to the FDP which doesn't qualify for the end of term gratuity, leaving Housing and School allowances unchanged, absence of Pension etc.
And the ability to return to your homeland via staff travel will be virtually impossible for a wife with 2 children because you will have no access to seat availability, actual loads or predicted loads. And the booking process can take 2 weeks although it is supposed to take 3 working days (which is still way to long). They will literally have to turn up and hope they all get on which is so risky that you simply won't bother. I can hardly imagine the distress to my wife and kids if they couldnt get on the flight, yet alone the cost of hotels etc. It is hopless without access to seat availability, actual and predicted loads but OK if you are single.
The only thing that is cheap is fuel.
Utilities cost circa £2200pa for a 3 bed with an irrigated garden and the a/c being used only in the room that you are currently in ie turning off a/c's as you move around the house.
Oh, and the school allowance will leave you with a short fall of a minimum of £500pa per child up to £4000pa depending on where you can actually get a school place.
Shipping to Dubai will cost £3800 for a 4 bed house and return shipping back to the uk is more expensive circa £4500 (for the same size load).
The company does the barest minimum in every single respect; rosters late, crap crew food, deliberate avoidance of gratuity by making pay increases only to the FDP which doesn't qualify for the end of term gratuity, leaving Housing and School allowances unchanged, absence of Pension etc.
And the ability to return to your homeland via staff travel will be virtually impossible for a wife with 2 children because you will have no access to seat availability, actual loads or predicted loads. And the booking process can take 2 weeks although it is supposed to take 3 working days (which is still way to long). They will literally have to turn up and hope they all get on which is so risky that you simply won't bother. I can hardly imagine the distress to my wife and kids if they couldnt get on the flight, yet alone the cost of hotels etc. It is hopless without access to seat availability, actual and predicted loads but OK if you are single.
The only thing that is cheap is fuel.
Last edited by asteroid01; 8th Jun 2013 at 06:26.
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
everything is 15 - 30% more expensive than the uk
What % discount do you get in shops/bars/restaurant with your UAE pilot card??
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Monrovia / Liberia
Age: 63
Posts: 757
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Brian Fantana:
The 'UAE Pilots Card' you refer to is actually more correctly known as the Emirates Pilots Club (EPC) Card. It was a 'club' actually set up for & by Emirates Pilots, and for which flydubai have been allowed to join.
To have an EPC Card costs (from memory) 900 Dhs per year (plus another 900 Dhs if you want one for the wife). My wife & I had them in our first year in DXB, but then gave up on it as we didn't use them enough to warrant the cost vs. savings. Furthermore, imho, the savings to be had via the EPC have been steadily eroded by the service vendors (shops, bars, etc) as they themselves struggle to survive in an evermore expensive Dubai.
As for the debate wrt taxable vs non-taxable... you should always remember that when you move to the Middle East you give up a lot more than just your location and that is why we get paid a premium... 'coz, no matter how you dress it up, we're living in a f'ing desert in the Middle East (with all that that entails) !
But are you paying 40% tax in the UAE as you would be if working in the same position for a UK airline?? No, I thought not!
What % discount do you get in shops/bars/restaurant with your UAE pilot card??
What % discount do you get in shops/bars/restaurant with your UAE pilot card??
To have an EPC Card costs (from memory) 900 Dhs per year (plus another 900 Dhs if you want one for the wife). My wife & I had them in our first year in DXB, but then gave up on it as we didn't use them enough to warrant the cost vs. savings. Furthermore, imho, the savings to be had via the EPC have been steadily eroded by the service vendors (shops, bars, etc) as they themselves struggle to survive in an evermore expensive Dubai.
As for the debate wrt taxable vs non-taxable... you should always remember that when you move to the Middle East you give up a lot more than just your location and that is why we get paid a premium... 'coz, no matter how you dress it up, we're living in a f'ing desert in the Middle East (with all that that entails) !
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Dubai
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Brian Fantana
I am miffed by the amount of derisory comments made by people who clearly don't work or reside in the ME. Mr 'Fantana', you seem agitated by the fact that someone dare complain about life in the ME or how expensive it is here.
This thread is about providing honest feedback for those wishing to move to the ME and up-rooting their families in the process.
All that glitters is not gold as they say....... Never truer word spoken with regard to Dubai.
My rent this year is 28,000 GBP what's yours?
This thread is about providing honest feedback for those wishing to move to the ME and up-rooting their families in the process.
All that glitters is not gold as they say....... Never truer word spoken with regard to Dubai.
My rent this year is 28,000 GBP what's yours?
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: dubai
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You do not pay 40% income tax here but, because of that fact, my basic plus duty pay is less than it would be in the UK. My salary was higher in the UK so that ministers could have their floating bird houses etc. I reckon it will take me 2 years to simply break even.
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Kuala
Age: 47
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cabon Crew Salary
Hello guys,
im an Euripean experienced cabin crew and I would like to know from you if you could point me some details about the contract and specially how could be the montly salary?
Regards
im an Euripean experienced cabin crew and I would like to know from you if you could point me some details about the contract and specially how could be the montly salary?
Regards
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hang on, let me check the FMS...
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry but this thread is ridiculous.
Your salary is less at FZ than at a UK airline?!
Well by basic maths or a simple online UK tax calculator to take home the equivalent FO pay at flydubai in the UK your annual salary would need to be in excess of £100,000. Thats year 5 BA captain kind of money!
If you left that kind of job willingly then no wonder you are upset.
And yes Dubai is more expensive than SOME UK cities, however I'm originally from London and Dubai is actually very comparable in terms of prices.
And yes that doesn't include a company contributed pension scheme, HOWEVER the UAE does have a length of service payment, which with some basic investing will give you comparable returns to a UK private pension.
There are always exceptions, however for those of us that don't wash with champagne and smoke $100 dollar bills in the shisha pipe the FZ salary will give you a very comfortable lifestyle.
I've lived in the ME for many years, even before I started with flydubai.
Standing by to be shot down......
Your salary is less at FZ than at a UK airline?!
Well by basic maths or a simple online UK tax calculator to take home the equivalent FO pay at flydubai in the UK your annual salary would need to be in excess of £100,000. Thats year 5 BA captain kind of money!
If you left that kind of job willingly then no wonder you are upset.
And yes Dubai is more expensive than SOME UK cities, however I'm originally from London and Dubai is actually very comparable in terms of prices.
And yes that doesn't include a company contributed pension scheme, HOWEVER the UAE does have a length of service payment, which with some basic investing will give you comparable returns to a UK private pension.
There are always exceptions, however for those of us that don't wash with champagne and smoke $100 dollar bills in the shisha pipe the FZ salary will give you a very comfortable lifestyle.
I've lived in the ME for many years, even before I started with flydubai.
Standing by to be shot down......
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Up there
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As a pilot who has flown for Flydubai and resigned at the earliest opportunity my only recommendation to anyone thinking about this as a job is don't, in any way, consider this as a career move. I am still amazed by even daily events in the company ranging from seemingly vindictively punishing rosters to denying or 'not mentioning' major security/safety events such as rocket attacks on aircraft on the ground and attacks on airports as fz aircraft were on final approach to the crews. Added to this the latest threat from the head of training implying that if you don't bend over backwards and bend the rules when the company want you to that it will affect your career and prospects of a command. These are common place in Flydubai and before the flydubai flag carriers try to save face for the company and discredit what i have said...i have been at this company for a number of years and have known nothing different, in fact it got progressively worse from the day i joined and from the sounds of it from friends still there it continues to get worse.
The best decision i have made in my career is to get out of this company. It is a scathing example of everything wrong with our industry and the only heartfelt feeling i have is for the many great pilots and cabin crew at the company who are treated with such discontent when in fact they are the companys' most valuable asset...i can make this statement based on having worked with and socialised with many of these people and can still call my friends today.
With a knock on wood three times i hope things change for my friends over there but as history shows i know it wont!
The best decision i have made in my career is to get out of this company. It is a scathing example of everything wrong with our industry and the only heartfelt feeling i have is for the many great pilots and cabin crew at the company who are treated with such discontent when in fact they are the companys' most valuable asset...i can make this statement based on having worked with and socialised with many of these people and can still call my friends today.
With a knock on wood three times i hope things change for my friends over there but as history shows i know it wont!
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: The sandpit
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Accommodation costs where I am are more expensive than Dubai and im paid considerably less.
My oh so massive one bedroom flat (sarcasm mode) costs be 1200p/m
And that normally leaves me around 900 a month for me my wife and child
And if I wanted to buy well thats 11 times my income, so not happening in any hurry with the vast salary im saving per month
Sorry but I see this so often pilotede320, im assuming you are already a pilot, do you not look at your FCOMS, QRH etc, just ask everyone for the answers every time you do a OPC/LPC
If you look on flydubai s website under careers like a lot of airlines you will find the answers, or use the search function you will find only about 3 pages back on the flydubai master thread that again there are the answers
All pilots
Fluent in English to ICAO level 4 or above.
Hold a ICAO ATPL certificate.
Hold a 1st Class Medical certificate from ICAO.
Eligible for a UAE residency visa.
First Officers (Non Type Rated)
At least 2,500 hours total flying time.
At least 1,000 hours on modern (EFIS), multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft over 10 tonnes operating weight (preference will be given to those with PIC time).
First Officers (Type Rated)
B737-300 to 900 (NG/EFIS) endorsed within the last 24 months.
At least 1,500 hours total flying time.
At least 500 hours on B737-300 to 900 (NG/EFIS) type aircraft.
My oh so massive one bedroom flat (sarcasm mode) costs be 1200p/m
And that normally leaves me around 900 a month for me my wife and child
And if I wanted to buy well thats 11 times my income, so not happening in any hurry with the vast salary im saving per month
Sorry but I see this so often pilotede320, im assuming you are already a pilot, do you not look at your FCOMS, QRH etc, just ask everyone for the answers every time you do a OPC/LPC
If you look on flydubai s website under careers like a lot of airlines you will find the answers, or use the search function you will find only about 3 pages back on the flydubai master thread that again there are the answers
All pilots
Fluent in English to ICAO level 4 or above.
Hold a ICAO ATPL certificate.
Hold a 1st Class Medical certificate from ICAO.
Eligible for a UAE residency visa.
First Officers (Non Type Rated)
At least 2,500 hours total flying time.
At least 1,000 hours on modern (EFIS), multi-crew, multi-engine aircraft over 10 tonnes operating weight (preference will be given to those with PIC time).
First Officers (Type Rated)
B737-300 to 900 (NG/EFIS) endorsed within the last 24 months.
At least 1,500 hours total flying time.
At least 500 hours on B737-300 to 900 (NG/EFIS) type aircraft.
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hang on, let me check the FMS...
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Current upgrades are running at 2 - 2.5 years. This dependent on you passing all the requirements at first attempt.
This thread is fairly old considering the pace that FZ is growing and evolving. Since the introduction of PBS the rosters have considerbly improved, my roster this month has me working 12 days plus 1 day of standby the rest is days off or rest days and even junior guys are getting 12 days off a month.
The night flights can be tough if you get 3 on the bounce however with PBS this is now a rare occurrence, but night flying is common place at all the gulf airlines so if you don't want to do night flights you will be disappointed with a move to any airline in the gulf
Yes Dubai is expensive however in return it does offer a safe, clean environment with the weather and facilities to enjoy a vast amount of out of work activities. I manage to send home quite a chunk of cash, and even those who struggle to save any where near what they were expecting too still have a better lifestyle than they previously had.
If you want a quick command, to earn decent money, and to enjoy an expat lifestyle then FZ is a good move until this perfect airline all Ppruners hope for comes along
This thread is fairly old considering the pace that FZ is growing and evolving. Since the introduction of PBS the rosters have considerbly improved, my roster this month has me working 12 days plus 1 day of standby the rest is days off or rest days and even junior guys are getting 12 days off a month.
The night flights can be tough if you get 3 on the bounce however with PBS this is now a rare occurrence, but night flying is common place at all the gulf airlines so if you don't want to do night flights you will be disappointed with a move to any airline in the gulf
Yes Dubai is expensive however in return it does offer a safe, clean environment with the weather and facilities to enjoy a vast amount of out of work activities. I manage to send home quite a chunk of cash, and even those who struggle to save any where near what they were expecting too still have a better lifestyle than they previously had.
If you want a quick command, to earn decent money, and to enjoy an expat lifestyle then FZ is a good move until this perfect airline all Ppruners hope for comes along
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: WW
Age: 49
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi there,
Can anyone can tell me how much the cost of living has gone up since 2011-12.
As I lived there at that time I am having hard time to recognize this about extensive Dubai...
I am originally from eastern Europe, lived in western EU long time, USA as well and generally traveling a lot. During those couple of years in Dubai I could certainly not call it expencive. Lived in Marina and worked for nearly half of the pay FZ is giving, going out often... the alcohol is expensive but I am not drinking... I enjoyed those couple of years.
Can anyone can tell me how much the cost of living has gone up since 2011-12.
As I lived there at that time I am having hard time to recognize this about extensive Dubai...
I am originally from eastern Europe, lived in western EU long time, USA as well and generally traveling a lot. During those couple of years in Dubai I could certainly not call it expencive. Lived in Marina and worked for nearly half of the pay FZ is giving, going out often... the alcohol is expensive but I am not drinking... I enjoyed those couple of years.
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Europe
Age: 40
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Marina, depends on exact location and requirements, but the average 2 bed flat is about 160 - 170 per year, and that's an educated guess on the lower side of rent.
Oh and stafftravel with EK, if you want to know the loads all you need is a friend in EK (pilot), as they can check for you.
Oh and stafftravel with EK, if you want to know the loads all you need is a friend in EK (pilot), as they can check for you.
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
FZ isn't nearly as bad right now as some are saying here. The rosters do improve over time as the company expands and seniority kicks in.
Yes Dubai is expensive but if you know where to go and you are smart with your finances then you will do very well financially. If you live beyond your means then of course it will be crappy but that applies to any place on Earth.
People are mostly very nice and aircraft are new. The routes can be dodgy but then some of us like that sort of thing (like me). I happen to find it fun flying to Kabul/Juba/Kathmandu etc.
In my experience, Flydubai is exactly what I expected and more - not less.
Yes Dubai is expensive but if you know where to go and you are smart with your finances then you will do very well financially. If you live beyond your means then of course it will be crappy but that applies to any place on Earth.
People are mostly very nice and aircraft are new. The routes can be dodgy but then some of us like that sort of thing (like me). I happen to find it fun flying to Kabul/Juba/Kathmandu etc.
In my experience, Flydubai is exactly what I expected and more - not less.
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dubai
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hunter86,
Your post seems to appear out of the blue. No one is saying much on this thread anymore.
You mention that we fly to some dodgy destinations.... yes we do. However, not really sure how you can enjoy flying to destinations such as Baghdad where aircraft are shot at, the company lies about injuries to a pax and then lies that it was a wedding party.... as if that makes it OK anyway.
Furthermore, you mention how rosters improve over time. Do they? They may if you are an FO. Any captain that arrives at FZ today will never see the light of day for the foreseeable future. Captains that have been here over 4 years are currently getting 1-3 bids per month, the rest is completely random. Days to nights and vice versa, minimum rest and rest periods of 18-24 hours.
Personally, PBS has been deteriorating for the last few months, to the point now, where it is practically pointless for most of us.
I'm glad your happy, but try and keep the info balanced.
WTD
Your post seems to appear out of the blue. No one is saying much on this thread anymore.
You mention that we fly to some dodgy destinations.... yes we do. However, not really sure how you can enjoy flying to destinations such as Baghdad where aircraft are shot at, the company lies about injuries to a pax and then lies that it was a wedding party.... as if that makes it OK anyway.
Furthermore, you mention how rosters improve over time. Do they? They may if you are an FO. Any captain that arrives at FZ today will never see the light of day for the foreseeable future. Captains that have been here over 4 years are currently getting 1-3 bids per month, the rest is completely random. Days to nights and vice versa, minimum rest and rest periods of 18-24 hours.
Personally, PBS has been deteriorating for the last few months, to the point now, where it is practically pointless for most of us.
I'm glad your happy, but try and keep the info balanced.
WTD
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And by keeping the info balanced I must whinge? That wouldn't be keeping the info balanced at all. The whole point of the post I made was just that - to assist potential new joiners in having a better (more balanced) perspective.
Are you the opinion police or something?
Are you the opinion police or something?