Kabul flights
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Behind you
WRT Uninsured, EK self funds its own insurance so no big deal..
Unprotected? Well maybe, but I cant imagine a safer and more guarded place than the airport...
MS
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Reminds me of some colleagues concerned about flying to Tel Aviv during the 2nd Gulf war. They complained to the airline and the Union about flying to a "war Zone" and the possibility that their Life / Health Insurance cover would be voided if anything should happen on the layover. The airline responded that the pilots "should not worry as "the Company has plenty of insurance cover for the aircraft..." As if that was the pressing issue! So EK is not alone in setting these priorities...
Supercharged PPRuNer
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 15
From: Doon the watter, a million miles from the sandpit.
At little brother across the runway, they simply make you sign an employment contract accepting you will fly to war zones.
Problem solved.
Problem solved.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,103
Likes: 5
From: Chabanais, France
Whether an airline 'self-insures' its Personal Accident and Life liabilities or not an employee should make absolutely certain that they are fully aware of the extent or otherwise of the cover pertaining to them, including War Risk. If not already issued, as a part of the joining process, then an employee should be able to obtain, from their company's insurance department, full details of all benefits payable in the event of accident, disablement or accidental death and specifically any clauses that relate to operating in areas of known hostility. The main insurance market in London are the most reliable arbiters of what constitutes 'known hostility', rather than a company that chooses to self insure.
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: Houston
that they are fully aware of the extent or otherwise of the cover ..., then an employee should be able to obtain, from their company's insurance department, full details of all benefits ... and specifically any clauses that relate to operating in areas of known hostility.
The company loves opacity so that the conditions and terms can be "enhanced" frequently. Given this culture there is no way that you would ever be able to get a straight and comprehensive answer to the above and even if you did you would find that it would be riddled with loopholes and weasel-words such as "this can be unilaterally amended under "extreme circumstances" just like all of the other manuals that we abide by.
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
From: Milan, Italy
I see with all the unrest in Basra, rockets were fired at the airport yesterday. Interesting that QR cancelled both their daily flights yesterday and today, yet EK cracks on...
Having lived and flown from Kabul for four years, and having lived and flown in Iraq for a number of years too, I can tell you right now Basra used to scare the s%$£ out of me far more than anywhere in Afghanistan.
Keep your heads down chaps...
Having lived and flown from Kabul for four years, and having lived and flown in Iraq for a number of years too, I can tell you right now Basra used to scare the s%$£ out of me far more than anywhere in Afghanistan.
Keep your heads down chaps...
short flights long nights
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,018
Likes: 327
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,103
Likes: 5
From: Chabanais, France
aeropix - Not EK, ever, (but another well known Gulf Airline for eight years, many moons ago), not management either.
I understand what you say about those areas you mention that are totally opaque but matters concerning remuneration and insurance cover should not fall into that category. Are all matters concerning pay, allowances and insurance really so opaque in EK? These three form a major part of the basic contracted remuneration and I would expect to see all insurance matters available in written form. Has anyone asked for a copy of the insurance element of the contract? If the answer is that it will be dealt with on a case by case basis then you don't have a viable contract. I am well aware of and have experienced the vagaries of a Middle Eastern employment contract in relation to rostering etc. but matter relating directly to money have usually been spelled out fairly clearly, somewhere.
I understand what you say about those areas you mention that are totally opaque but matters concerning remuneration and insurance cover should not fall into that category. Are all matters concerning pay, allowances and insurance really so opaque in EK? These three form a major part of the basic contracted remuneration and I would expect to see all insurance matters available in written form. Has anyone asked for a copy of the insurance element of the contract? If the answer is that it will be dealt with on a case by case basis then you don't have a viable contract. I am well aware of and have experienced the vagaries of a Middle Eastern employment contract in relation to rostering etc. but matter relating directly to money have usually been spelled out fairly clearly, somewhere.
