The 'Freighter' email.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: DXB
I think a separate group could potentially be a good thing, but a 2 year commitment? Thats ridiculous, max 6 months at a time would be much more reasonable. Also, due to the nature of the trips (i.e. long and changing often) we would need some kind of protections on days off, or maybe a guaranteed string of 7 each month. Doing 9+ days trips with two days off in between is not conducive to any kind of life style whatsoever. The current way the trips are organized and changed would mean essentially being on perpetual reserve for 2 years. Also, speaking of changing trips and days off, some kind of financial incentive for extending into days off (this is standard at other cargo operations)......
Other idea's????
Other idea's????
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Dubai
I'd say don't sign on for it until they provide more information about the t&cs. Not enough information provided to make it worth anyone's while. Definitely makes you wonder, what's in it for them? At the end of the day that's all this company cares about.
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: uk
Frank, we are already experiencing that, its called a roster! On another point............
There was a muted base for the Freighter op last year, though not much happened. The building are all there so you never know.................
The 2nd email from CPB said quite clearly that replying expressing interest in no way committed anyone to anything. So for me, yeah anything is worth exploring, though I won't be committing to owt til I get a whole lot more info.
There was a muted base for the Freighter op last year, though not much happened. The building are all there so you never know.................
The 2nd email from CPB said quite clearly that replying expressing interest in no way committed anyone to anything. So for me, yeah anything is worth exploring, though I won't be committing to owt til I get a whole lot more info.
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Here
Funny. I took over the plane yesterday from a cpt. who was talking about this email. Basically all he could say was, It's a Trap. Called him admiral but didn't seem to have a sense of humour.
Anyway it seems that everything EK throws at us is considered a trap. Lets hope this is a good thing for the guys and gals who are interested !
Anyway it seems that everything EK throws at us is considered a trap. Lets hope this is a good thing for the guys and gals who are interested !
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: UAE
why 2 years.... maybe they realise that once you are in you may change your mind fairly quickly..... oh but wait..... I signed on for 2 years... If they make it six or even 3 months it may just be a pretty good change..... But 2 years?????? that seems a bit strange to me.
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Here
What about the fact that they want security regarding planning. If you give 3 months options people will change constantly and from a planning pov will make that a complete nightmare.
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Here
I do see your point though. I assume the planning here is done automatically but I'm not sure about that.
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: Eternal Beach
For those of you who fear it's a trap, don't like changes to roster, deadheading, Maktoum, no tarts, making your own meals/coffee, waiting during delays, min rest, figuring out the flight/duty section in detail, it's only a small fleet, you will never come back.....THEN DON"T APPLY!
And more importantly, feel happy about not applying.
I reckon there will be base group who will fly cargo and as required there will be relief supplied by main fleet.
halas
And more importantly, feel happy about not applying.
I reckon there will be base group who will fly cargo and as required there will be relief supplied by main fleet.
halas
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 1
From: earth
As much as i would like to take up this option, as much my experience with EK tells me to be very careful.
The company demonstrates in an almost daily rhythm that they change goalposts as faster as their clerks get to Costas every morning. They will initially offer T&Cs that may attract enough pilots. But we all know, that within three months they will adapt the goodies to make them suit their needs & greeds and the poor sods that signed up for two years will be stuck with rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Trust has gone for a very, very long time. No one believes anything no more what EK says or even signs. They will reap what they saw.
The company demonstrates in an almost daily rhythm that they change goalposts as faster as their clerks get to Costas every morning. They will initially offer T&Cs that may attract enough pilots. But we all know, that within three months they will adapt the goodies to make them suit their needs & greeds and the poor sods that signed up for two years will be stuck with rapidly deteriorating conditions.
Trust has gone for a very, very long time. No one believes anything no more what EK says or even signs. They will reap what they saw.
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: UAE
I can't see this really being any different to SQ and CX passenger vs cargo. SkyCargo are pretty good at what they do, going from a complete outsourced operation 10 years ago to where they're at today. Its not rocket science, they cannot continue with the mixed fleet flying and this should have been on the cards from the very beginning
Joined: Jun 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 69
Likes: 6
From: Home
Cargo Ops
What could go wrong ...?
More time in West Africa? (cheaper hotels and halfway between Europe & South America cargo hubs)
Your published roster will be 'just a suggestion'
Deadheading on the freighter vs pax flights
More (than average) contract 'adjustment' not in your favour
More (than average) NOTOC and load sheet errors
Over worked LM & GE
Catering, hmm, shall we say 'challenges'
Expense claims to be filed every month due irregular ops
Etc.
More time in West Africa? (cheaper hotels and halfway between Europe & South America cargo hubs)
Your published roster will be 'just a suggestion'
Deadheading on the freighter vs pax flights
More (than average) contract 'adjustment' not in your favour
More (than average) NOTOC and load sheet errors
Over worked LM & GE
Catering, hmm, shall we say 'challenges'
Expense claims to be filed every month due irregular ops
Etc.