Based in Baghdad ?

[b730]

Can anybody provide any current info on :
- job security for pilots
- general security in the area
- goods available in the shops
- medical facilities
- local cell Phone and wifi connection/contracts etc
- any feedback on accommodation supplied by local operators etc
- are expats generally accepted by the locals?
- which operators to avoid and why - please advise by PM

Any useful info for a newbie to the area.

Many thanks

[The Outlaw]

Originally Posted by b730

Can anybody provide any current info on :
- job security for pilots
- general security in the area
- goods available in the shops
- medical facilities
- local cell Phone and wifi connection/contracts etc
- any feedback on accommodation supplied by local operators etc
- are expats generally accepted by the locals?
- which operators to avoid and why - please advise by PM

Any useful info for a newbie to the area.

Many thanks

Well, "when was your last saliva test" is the first thing that comes to mind.

Having said that, this would be about the only time where I would honestly say "why not consider EK"? Both locations will inevitably kill you but EK will take a few more years to do so and and use fatigue as the weapon of choice.

I have been into Baghdad many times during my tenure in the Persian Gulf area and each time I was happy as we crossed FL200 or the Kuwaiti FIR boundary (whichever came first)!

If you are looking for job security go with QR. The other two big operators in the region are about to face some big changes. It's not what it was 10 years ago. With so many better jobs worldwide, why would you consider Iraq...unless you are a national.

Good luck in your pursuits, the best opportunities these days are much further east.