Transfer from FD to EK or EY

[43wings34]

Hi all,

I am considering the move over the the ME. I have no jet time however meet all the requirements for the NR 737 position at FD.

Is it possible to transfer to EY/EK after building up experience over say 3-5 years?

Although FD does not seem to be spoken highly of on this forums would lifestyle T&C be that bad for a single guy using it to gain some jet experience?

Any other information would be great.

Thanks in advance

[Vortac1]

3 years at FD before you can bail to EK.

Regarding your other questions:

http://www.pprune.org/middle-east/33...ad-merged.html

Kinda long but a must read if you're trying to go to the ME with FD. It should answer all your questions.

[43wings34]

Thanks for the reply.

By 3 years do you mean bonded as a result of the type rating or is there a agreement amongst FD and EK for a 3 year wait period.

Also are guys currently switching from FD to other airlines without too much difficulty?

[Payscale]

I have never met anyone who made the switch..

[Vortac1]

Both. There is a 3 year training bond, on top of that, EK will not give you a sniff until your 3 years are up, regardless if you want to buy yourself out of the bond.

[ABBOT]

A no poach agreement appears to be in place between FD and the unmentionable as well.

[spanishfly69]

Payscale, I know several pilots that have made the switch, at least 5 FOs and 3 DECs. Moreover, There are a couple waiting for a class date at the moment.

[long-gonner]

Overall it's few and far between. In the late 2010 to early 2011 time frame a few FZ FOs and one of the first upgrades paid off the remaining amount on their bonds and went to EK. Flydubai saw the writing on the wall and immediately got a two year ban imposed by EK. When that ban was set to expire it was increased to 3 years. After the 3 year ban was met by a few, some DECs were hired at EK as well as a couple of FOs, including one FO whom two weeks after completing the upgrade course gave his notice! All I'm saying is that if you come to FZ, don't have high expectations to be hired at EK anytime soon. EY is the same. A few have gone from FZ to EY, but very few. You almost have to quit FZ first, move home, and then apply at the other airlines

[Iver]

If you really want EK or the unmentionable, I would wait until you meet the minimums and then apply. Both QR and the unmentionable will be growing very fast in 2014-15 and beyond.

[seven3heaven]

The transition has happened in the past, although it has slowed up recently. I have heard the same about a few guys waiting for an EK start date at the moment.
I think the unmentionable airline will start to take guys from FZ at some point in the near future. They have a lot of deliveries and will need to crew a lot of airplanes, there is no love lost between dxb and AD either.
If it was down to FZ you wouldn't be able to go anywhere, even if it is to better you career. Hence the 24k bond for type rated guys.
If you're single with no jet time and you're happy to stick it out at FZ for 3-5 years then it's a good option. Make sure you read the FZ thread thoroughly first.

[RemoveB4Flght]

As someone with no jet time, I would be less concerned with maneuvering for a switch between airlines and more concerned with getting that first airline job.

With the attitude that a job like Fly Dubai is just a stepping stone, most interviewers will pick up on that and pass over you for someone who is more focused on the job at hand. The routes and schedules they do there are challenging and demanding, and the FD captains I know aren't interested in wet nursing another starry eyed FO who is just staring out the window at the EK 380.

I'm not saying you shouldn't have goals, I'm saying one step at a time.