RIA Saudi Airlines?
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I don’t think we have anything to gain from bashing Saudi and the Middle East in general, I’ve lived on and off in the Middle East for 15 years and found it vastly better than living in Europe and the Far East. (lived there for a few years too)
I’ve found that living in Muslim countries have afforded myself and my family a safe moral place to raise my family.
It's not perfect but as a westerner I detest fellow westerners looking down their nose at Arabs and Muslims because of a superiority complex or because they can’t drink beer wherever they want.
If you’re from the U.K. go home for a couple of years, pay huge amounts of tax, enjoy the rain and potholes and get sick, see how long it takes you to get treatment. Confuse your kids so much that they don’t know if they are an Arthur or a Martha and sit in the pub talking about how people in dinghy’s are destroying the country whilst the top 5% keep stealing from you.
I’ll be here in the Middle East welcoming you back when you arrive.
I’ve found that living in Muslim countries have afforded myself and my family a safe moral place to raise my family.
It's not perfect but as a westerner I detest fellow westerners looking down their nose at Arabs and Muslims because of a superiority complex or because they can’t drink beer wherever they want.
If you’re from the U.K. go home for a couple of years, pay huge amounts of tax, enjoy the rain and potholes and get sick, see how long it takes you to get treatment. Confuse your kids so much that they don’t know if they are an Arthur or a Martha and sit in the pub talking about how people in dinghy’s are destroying the country whilst the top 5% keep stealing from you.
I’ll be here in the Middle East welcoming you back when you arrive.
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Any rumours about the narrow body order that should have been announced last year?
I can only imagine it’s because of one of 2 reason, the first which I doubt, it’s all gone pear shaped and the start up is failing which I can’t see as the Arabs would want to save face or
2. They want Airbus A320’s but the waiting time for those will be 10 plus years as every man and his dog has orders in so they are trying to twist Airbus’s arms with money to jump the cue but it isn’t working, as if they wanted 737’s which have been falling out of the sky and doors popping off they could have had as many as they wanted like a piece of roll-a-gold off the man on the Spanish beach resort.
I can only imagine it’s because of one of 2 reason, the first which I doubt, it’s all gone pear shaped and the start up is failing which I can’t see as the Arabs would want to save face or
2. They want Airbus A320’s but the waiting time for those will be 10 plus years as every man and his dog has orders in so they are trying to twist Airbus’s arms with money to jump the cue but it isn’t working, as if they wanted 737’s which have been falling out of the sky and doors popping off they could have had as many as they wanted like a piece of roll-a-gold off the man on the Spanish beach resort.
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Any rumours about the narrow body order that should have been announced last year?
I can only imagine it’s because of one of 2 reason, the first which I doubt, it’s all gone pear shaped and the start up is failing which I can’t see as the Arabs would want to save face or
2. They want Airbus A320’s but the waiting time for those will be 10 plus years as every man and his dog has orders in so they are trying to twist Airbus’s arms with money to jump the cue but it isn’t working, as if they wanted 737’s which have been falling out of the sky and doors popping off they could have had as many as they wanted like a piece of roll-a-gold off the man on the Spanish beach resort.
I can only imagine it’s because of one of 2 reason, the first which I doubt, it’s all gone pear shaped and the start up is failing which I can’t see as the Arabs would want to save face or
2. They want Airbus A320’s but the waiting time for those will be 10 plus years as every man and his dog has orders in so they are trying to twist Airbus’s arms with money to jump the cue but it isn’t working, as if they wanted 737’s which have been falling out of the sky and doors popping off they could have had as many as they wanted like a piece of roll-a-gold off the man on the Spanish beach resort.
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For me they have my attention if it’s 14 on 14 off and over 25k a month if I can also get past the UK tax system. Too much to give up otherwise.
UK airlines are great and it’s home cannot fault it except the pay! The Chinese airlines couldn’t get me there in the end Pre-Covid on 20k month commuting. I think with inflation 25k is my threshold for Riyadh as the flight home isn’t too long and more chance of westerners there. Can’t see the ME3 people moving families around for just a couple of $ thousand more if it’s sub 20k and commuting isn’t in the table.
I think Riyadh will need to offer life changing money for Europeans to go or ME3 and it needs to be commuting. Otherwise I think it will be crewed with African and South Americans flying for peanuts and even then I can’t see Riyadh getting the huge numbers they will need just from that pool.
Might finally have a big hat and cattle!
UK airlines are great and it’s home cannot fault it except the pay! The Chinese airlines couldn’t get me there in the end Pre-Covid on 20k month commuting. I think with inflation 25k is my threshold for Riyadh as the flight home isn’t too long and more chance of westerners there. Can’t see the ME3 people moving families around for just a couple of $ thousand more if it’s sub 20k and commuting isn’t in the table.
I think Riyadh will need to offer life changing money for Europeans to go or ME3 and it needs to be commuting. Otherwise I think it will be crewed with African and South Americans flying for peanuts and even then I can’t see Riyadh getting the huge numbers they will need just from that pool.
Might finally have a big hat and cattle!
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For me they have my attention if it’s 14 on 14 off and over 25k a month if I can also get past the UK tax system. Too much to give up otherwise.
UK airlines are great and it’s home cannot fault it except the pay! The Chinese airlines couldn’t get me there in the end Pre-Covid on 20k month commuting. I think with inflation 25k is my threshold for Riyadh as the flight home isn’t too long and more chance of westerners there. Can’t see the ME3 people moving families around for just a couple of $ thousand more if it’s sub 20k and commuting isn’t in the table.
I think Riyadh will need to offer life changing money for Europeans to go or ME3 and it needs to be commuting. Otherwise I think it will be crewed with African and South Americans flying for peanuts and even then I can’t see Riyadh getting the huge numbers they will need just from that pool.
Might finally have a big hat and cattle!
UK airlines are great and it’s home cannot fault it except the pay! The Chinese airlines couldn’t get me there in the end Pre-Covid on 20k month commuting. I think with inflation 25k is my threshold for Riyadh as the flight home isn’t too long and more chance of westerners there. Can’t see the ME3 people moving families around for just a couple of $ thousand more if it’s sub 20k and commuting isn’t in the table.
I think Riyadh will need to offer life changing money for Europeans to go or ME3 and it needs to be commuting. Otherwise I think it will be crewed with African and South Americans flying for peanuts and even then I can’t see Riyadh getting the huge numbers they will need just from that pool.
Might finally have a big hat and cattle!
I think you’d have a problem with UK tax, my colleagues that commute in and out say you basically can’t spent more than 90 nights in the UK. I know a colleague that works in the UK but lives in EU. He works part time to ensure he never goes over 90 nights and takes lots of unpaid leave… 14 on and off means a fair bit over 90 nights as I’ve thought of it
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If they offer 14-14 I run naked around the Kaaba. It will be roughly what Saudi pays today, and roughly same roster. They will recruit Russians, Indians, South Americans, Filipino and Malaysians.
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Agreed with all your points. Not worth the move for ME3 guys if its a few grand more considering the lifestyle change and loss of seniority.
I think you’d have a problem with UK tax, my colleagues that commute in and out say you basically can’t spent more than 90 nights in the UK. I know a colleague that works in the UK but lives in EU. He works part time to ensure he never goes over 90 nights and takes lots of unpaid leave… 14 on and off means a fair bit over 90 nights as I’ve thought of it
I think you’d have a problem with UK tax, my colleagues that commute in and out say you basically can’t spent more than 90 nights in the UK. I know a colleague that works in the UK but lives in EU. He works part time to ensure he never goes over 90 nights and takes lots of unpaid leave… 14 on and off means a fair bit over 90 nights as I’ve thought of it
However, if it turns out like above poster says, I.e sub par pay and no commuting then I’ll sit where I am fat dumb and happy and make do with the money. They couldn’t pay my 100k a month to bring my family there.
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They have already offered 14-14 to line trainers. But as you say I cannot see this being offered to all flight deck, the last thing they need when starting would be having crew not getting to their duties on time or not showing up, its not exactly easy to get to Riyadh especially when they don’t even have a route network
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They have already offered 14-14 to line trainers. But as you say I cannot see this being offered to all flight deck, the last thing they need when starting would be having crew not getting to their duties on time or not showing up, its not exactly easy to get to Riyadh especially when they don’t even have a route network
As for the package that people are offered I feel they will use the same tactic as my cell phone provider who messages me with these amazing offers only to withhold the small print which is that the prices are only for 6 months after which the plan returns to the normal price (usually double).
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Working for RIA & reducing HMRC income tax burden via DTA’s & Offshore jurisdictions
Exactly why I couldn’t get around the tax when weighing up China, the UK also look at ties like marriage/property when looking at tax not just days, but a post a while back mentioned the DTA article sub section they have been exercising along with others for some time to not pay the UK tax.
However, if it turns out like above poster says, I.e sub par pay and no commuting then I’ll sit where I am fat dumb and happy and make do with the money. They couldn’t pay my 100k a month to bring my family there.
However, if it turns out like above poster says, I.e sub par pay and no commuting then I’ll sit where I am fat dumb and happy and make do with the money. They couldn’t pay my 100k a month to bring my family there.
Please pardon my temerity but it seems that you two gentleman could do with some seasoned advice on how to legally avoid, or at least substantially reduce, your HMRC income tax burden in light of your interest in working for RIA. Please note I state legally avoid as opposed to evade. However, I could enlighten on either strategy, if required.
ATB.
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VAMY Thank you. The little gem where Iqama makes you a resident of the opposing party (state) escaped my ken, in full. That inverts the vector at (3); my brain could not see what it read and insisted on a "citizen" interpretation thereof.
Appreciate your time and sharing.
Appreciate your time and sharing.
Effectively that would equate to a monthly take home pay of circa USD $20K-25K each month. With Saudia having 13 pay months per year then that translates into a very attractive proposition and substantial salary..
It’s my considered opinion that if RIA embraced that doctrine, then they’d be killed in the rush with flight crew wanting to be recruited.
BTW, they already established the precedent of foreign bases for crew back in the late 70’s & early 80’s, so they’re already familiar with and have experience with the concept.
ATB & TTFN.
Last edited by VAMY; 11th Mar 2024 at 23:51. Reason: RIA, foreign Crew Bases & Taxation.
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Dear Spam Can & True Toga,
Please pardon my temerity but it seems that you two gentleman could do with some seasoned advice on how to legally avoid, or at least substantially reduce, your HMRC income tax burden in light of your interest in working for RIA. Please note I state legally avoid as opposed to evade. However, I could enlighten on either strategy, if required.
ATB.
Please pardon my temerity but it seems that you two gentleman could do with some seasoned advice on how to legally avoid, or at least substantially reduce, your HMRC income tax burden in light of your interest in working for RIA. Please note I state legally avoid as opposed to evade. However, I could enlighten on either strategy, if required.
ATB.
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I lived in France/Switzerland & commuted to the UK from Geneva for over 25 years utilising a VERY tax efficient strategy via the various DTA’s.
Many probably don’t know it but the BA long haul fleet are probably the best paid pilots in the whole of Europe, by a LONG margin, due the possibilities of beneficial DTA utilisation.
I then went to Saudi for 10 years flying on their B747-400 & B747-8 fleet. Back then there were literally only a handful of Western flight crew on Saudi’s B744 & B748 fleet.
Most Western expats, because they weren’t in the know thought, the we’re getting a good deal at Emirates, Etihad & Qatar when Saudi was in fact the “golden goose” & always was
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Actually, I worked most of my aviation carrier flying the flag for the UK until retiring at 55 years.
I lived in France/Switzerland & commuted to the UK from Geneva for over 25 years utilising a VERY tax efficient strategy via the various DTA’s.
Many probably don’t know it but the BA long haul fleet are probably the best paid pilots in the whole of Europe, by a LONG margin, due the possibilities of beneficial DTA utilisation.
I then went to Saudi for 10 years flying on their B747-400 & B747-8 fleet. Back then there were literally only a handful of Western flight crew on Saudi’s B744 & B748 fleet.
Most Western expats, because they weren’t in the know thought, the we’re getting a good deal at Emirates, Etihad & Qatar when Saudi was in fact the “golden goose” & always was
I lived in France/Switzerland & commuted to the UK from Geneva for over 25 years utilising a VERY tax efficient strategy via the various DTA’s.
Many probably don’t know it but the BA long haul fleet are probably the best paid pilots in the whole of Europe, by a LONG margin, due the possibilities of beneficial DTA utilisation.
I then went to Saudi for 10 years flying on their B747-400 & B747-8 fleet. Back then there were literally only a handful of Western flight crew on Saudi’s B744 & B748 fleet.
Most Western expats, because they weren’t in the know thought, the we’re getting a good deal at Emirates, Etihad & Qatar when Saudi was in fact the “golden goose” & always was
What’s the latest with Saudi Airlines do they still pay big money and hire expats and where do you consider the latest golden goose is in the industry?
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Sounds alike you enjoyed some great golden years at both ends of the flying time line. I feel the UK flying is fantastic and the companies are good but that little blue book can earn more money and be put out to better use outside the ‘comfort zone’.
What’s the latest with Saudi Airlines do they still pay big money and hire expats and where do you consider the latest golden goose is in the industry?
What’s the latest with Saudi Airlines do they still pay big money and hire expats and where do you consider the latest golden goose is in the industry?
RIA is fundamental to the economic expansion model MBS has for the Kingdom and it’s an essential & integral constituent of the Kingdom’s economic growth model. When RIA starts to move into its stride, as an engine to drive economic growth, it’s going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, aviation wise, because of how many experienced pilots it needs and also because how quickly they need them.
The main problem is that they hope to recruit, in large numbers, “quality” flight crew with a prestigious and quality aviation pedigree, particularly for their wide bodied, long haul fleet. The trouble is there’s not too many flight crew of that quality around on the market-particularly when you remove the yanks from the equation. That’ll be the case because the yanks national conditions are already so good that they’ll not be attracted to the Middle East. That only leaves “poaching” as the only viable way to attract the amount of crews they will require. The main “bait” when poaching is improved T’s & C’s, particularly dosh in the trouser pockets. That’s when the Saudis step into their stride. Unlike most airlines, those Saudis have very deep pockets and they don’t have to reach too far into them to pull out a good handful of cash. Emirates, Etihad & Qatar can’t compete with that but they’ll try to, initially at least, that’ll start a short pay skirmish until the ME3 throw in the gauntlet. Even then, RIA will still have to poach. That’ll mean having to dig deeper into the pockets to attract expats from Europe and the UK. I’m assuming you can figure the story out for yourself from there onwards…
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During & after the COVID pandemic they had a cull on the remaining expats. A lot of their Westerners left during that period. Some, but not many, moved to SRA on even better T’s & C’s than at Saudi Arabian Airlines. Some TCN’s remained at Saudi Arabian, mainly Egyptians, other native Middle Easterners as well as others from nearby Islamic countries, however management took the opportunity to give the T’s & C’s a good a bettering.
RIA is fundamental to the economic expansion model MBS has for the Kingdom and it’s an essential & integral constituent of the Kingdom’s economic growth model. When RIA starts to move into its stride, as an engine to drive economic growth, it’s going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, aviation wise, because of how many experienced pilots it needs and also because how quickly they need them.
The main problem is that they hope to recruit, in large numbers, “quality” flight crew with a prestigious and quality aviation pedigree, particularly for their wide bodied, long haul fleet. The trouble is there’s not too many flight crew of that quality around on the market-particularly when you remove the yanks from the equation. That’ll be the case because the yanks national conditions are already so good that they’ll not be attracted to the Middle East. That only leaves “poaching” as the only viable way to attract the amount of crews they will require. The main “bait” when poaching is improved T’s & C’s, particularly dosh in the trouser pockets. That’s when the Saudis step into their stride. Unlike most airlines, those Saudis have very deep pockets and they don’t have to reach too far into them to pull out a good handful of cash. Emirates, Etihad & Qatar can’t compete with that but they’ll try to, initially at least, that’ll start a short pay skirmish until the ME3 throw in the gauntlet. Even then, RIA will still have to poach. That’ll mean having to dig deeper into the pockets to attract expats from Europe and the UK. I’m assuming you can figure the story out for yourself from there onwards…
RIA is fundamental to the economic expansion model MBS has for the Kingdom and it’s an essential & integral constituent of the Kingdom’s economic growth model. When RIA starts to move into its stride, as an engine to drive economic growth, it’s going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, aviation wise, because of how many experienced pilots it needs and also because how quickly they need them.
The main problem is that they hope to recruit, in large numbers, “quality” flight crew with a prestigious and quality aviation pedigree, particularly for their wide bodied, long haul fleet. The trouble is there’s not too many flight crew of that quality around on the market-particularly when you remove the yanks from the equation. That’ll be the case because the yanks national conditions are already so good that they’ll not be attracted to the Middle East. That only leaves “poaching” as the only viable way to attract the amount of crews they will require. The main “bait” when poaching is improved T’s & C’s, particularly dosh in the trouser pockets. That’s when the Saudis step into their stride. Unlike most airlines, those Saudis have very deep pockets and they don’t have to reach too far into them to pull out a good handful of cash. Emirates, Etihad & Qatar can’t compete with that but they’ll try to, initially at least, that’ll start a short pay skirmish until the ME3 throw in the gauntlet. Even then, RIA will still have to poach. That’ll mean having to dig deeper into the pockets to attract expats from Europe and the UK. I’m assuming you can figure the story out for yourself from there onwards…
There’s no doubt Riyadh eventually will become more western but these things take time. I mean how many expats move to Dubai and its usually the family that wants to leave…but who knows what they’ll offer now. Hopefully as you say a significantly better package.
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During & after the COVID pandemic they had a cull on the remaining expats. A lot of their Westerners left during that period. Some, but not many, moved to SRA on even better T’s & C’s than at Saudi Arabian Airlines. Some TCN’s remained at Saudi Arabian, mainly Egyptians, other native Middle Easterners as well as others from nearby Islamic countries, however management took the opportunity to give the T’s & C’s a good a bettering.
RIA is fundamental to the economic expansion model MBS has for the Kingdom and it’s an essential & integral constituent of the Kingdom’s economic growth model. When RIA starts to move into its stride, as an engine to drive economic growth, it’s going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, aviation wise, because of how many experienced pilots it needs and also because how quickly they need them.
The main problem is that they hope to recruit, in large numbers, “quality” flight crew with a prestigious and quality aviation pedigree, particularly for their wide bodied, long haul fleet. The trouble is there’s not too many flight crew of that quality around on the market-particularly when you remove the yanks from the equation. That’ll be the case because the yanks national conditions are already so good that they’ll not be attracted to the Middle East. That only leaves “poaching” as the only viable way to attract the amount of crews they will require. The main “bait” when poaching is improved T’s & C’s, particularly dosh in the trouser pockets. That’s when the Saudis step into their stride. Unlike most airlines, those Saudis have very deep pockets and they don’t have to reach too far into them to pull out a good handful of cash. Emirates, Etihad & Qatar can’t compete with that but they’ll try to, initially at least, that’ll start a short pay skirmish until the ME3 throw in the gauntlet. Even then, RIA will still have to poach. That’ll mean having to dig deeper into the pockets to attract expats from Europe and the UK. I’m assuming you can figure the story out for yourself from there onwards…
RIA is fundamental to the economic expansion model MBS has for the Kingdom and it’s an essential & integral constituent of the Kingdom’s economic growth model. When RIA starts to move into its stride, as an engine to drive economic growth, it’s going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, aviation wise, because of how many experienced pilots it needs and also because how quickly they need them.
The main problem is that they hope to recruit, in large numbers, “quality” flight crew with a prestigious and quality aviation pedigree, particularly for their wide bodied, long haul fleet. The trouble is there’s not too many flight crew of that quality around on the market-particularly when you remove the yanks from the equation. That’ll be the case because the yanks national conditions are already so good that they’ll not be attracted to the Middle East. That only leaves “poaching” as the only viable way to attract the amount of crews they will require. The main “bait” when poaching is improved T’s & C’s, particularly dosh in the trouser pockets. That’s when the Saudis step into their stride. Unlike most airlines, those Saudis have very deep pockets and they don’t have to reach too far into them to pull out a good handful of cash. Emirates, Etihad & Qatar can’t compete with that but they’ll try to, initially at least, that’ll start a short pay skirmish until the ME3 throw in the gauntlet. Even then, RIA will still have to poach. That’ll mean having to dig deeper into the pockets to attract expats from Europe and the UK. I’m assuming you can figure the story out for yourself from there onwards…
Thanks for taking the time to summarise all that. Appreciate it.
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Very interesting perspective. I think to be honest they won’t offer much of a difference to the ME3, definitely a better package but with the experience needed or described, those pilots are likely to have families which having them live in Saudi vs Dubai or Abu Dhabi might be a bigger shock for most Westener families. I suppose thats why they’ve offered trainers the commuting contracts to make sure the package makes it easy for them to leave their family in a western development.
There’s no doubt Riyadh eventually will become more western but these things take time. I mean how many expats move to Dubai and its usually the family that wants to leave…but who knows what they’ll offer now. Hopefully as you say a significantly better package.
There’s no doubt Riyadh eventually will become more western but these things take time. I mean how many expats move to Dubai and its usually the family that wants to leave…but who knows what they’ll offer now. Hopefully as you say a significantly better package.
From what I saw of the aviation consultant’s report, undertaken for the Saudi Ministry of Transport by UK consultants that helped EasyJet grow from “GO” I’ve little doubt that RIA will grow in size very rapidly indeed-much, much faster than the growth rate of Emirates. That will demand very significant quantities of flight crew indeed to accomplish. If KIA needs the pilots but is the cause of the shortage, well it’s inevitable that they’ll have to pay to get the crews they need. They know it already. It’s all accounted for in the Kingdom’s airline development strategy.
Back in the late 70’s & early 80’, a long time before Emirates was even on the tarmac, the original Saudi Arabian Airlines began a rapid expansion, particularly on long haul routes, utilising Lockheed L1011 Tristars & B747 SP’s. At that time they needed very experienced crews to operate those aircraft on a multitude of new routes.
Back then Saudi was even more out on a limb as a destination for expat pilots than it is now. In order to attract enough of the right quality crews what they simply did, via TWA, was to offer twice the salary (tax free) of a “top scale” BA Longhaul Captain, plus overtime, free housing, generous allowances & private schooling. This was sufficiently attractive to tempt senior pilots from both BA & TWA to take early retirement & join Saudia. It was so much of a good deal, those that knew of it, quickly realised it was a much better deal than the best expatriate flying jobs around at that time-Cathy Pacific, Iran Airways, Singapore Airlines, Gulf Air & Kuwait Airways. Airways.
Subsequently, foreign Bases were utilised by Saudi Airlines. This effectively meant the crews were home based but with extended trip pairings laying over in Saudi or elsewhere..
Last edited by VAMY; 12th Mar 2024 at 20:07.
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Dual pay Paradise
I have worked with Saudia on B777's back in 2015-2017,and trust me they were the best and most generous pat masters,plus they treat you like Royalty.
One important aspect of being a Saudi National in Saudi Arabian Airlines is that if you complete 15 years of service and want to leave your last take home becomes your pension,thus a majority of Saudi Pulots take retirement and join NAS and thus effectively taking 2 salaries in place of one.....and most of the people that i am in touch with still....plan to use the same module and resign from Saudia and join RIA and increase their bounty.u less Saudi Govt puts a restriction on it which seems highly unlikely ,and Saudia have plenty of 787 crews eyeing RIA so it will be a very interesting ball game once the mass recruitment starts.fingers crossed.
One important aspect of being a Saudi National in Saudi Arabian Airlines is that if you complete 15 years of service and want to leave your last take home becomes your pension,thus a majority of Saudi Pulots take retirement and join NAS and thus effectively taking 2 salaries in place of one.....and most of the people that i am in touch with still....plan to use the same module and resign from Saudia and join RIA and increase their bounty.u less Saudi Govt puts a restriction on it which seems highly unlikely ,and Saudia have plenty of 787 crews eyeing RIA so it will be a very interesting ball game once the mass recruitment starts.fingers crossed.
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Sounds alike you enjoyed some great golden years at both ends of the flying time line. I feel the UK flying is fantastic and the companies are good but that little blue book can earn more money and be put out to better use outside the ‘comfort zone’.
What’s the latest with Saudi Airlines do they still pay big money and hire expats and where do you consider the latest golden goose is in the industry?
What’s the latest with Saudi Airlines do they still pay big money and hire expats and where do you consider the latest golden goose is in the industry?
LHR-MT LGW-DH DXB.
Layover DXB 24 hrs
.
DXB/SEY/MRU.
Layover MRU 5 days.
MRU/SEY/MRU.
Layover MRU 48 Hrs.
MRU/SEY/DXB.
Layover DXB 24 hrs.
DXB DH LHR MT LHR.
9 days off.
After the 9 days off I would operate a South American rotation which was typically:
LHR/CCS.
Layover CCS 48 hrs.
CCS/BOG/CCS
Layover CCS 5days. (mostly spent on Margarita Island).
CCS/LHR.
7 days off.
When I finished my annual flying hours were nearer 800 hours per year, typically LHR/LAX/LHR four times a month. In my mid 50’s that was more tiring than the Indian Ocean & South American rotations of my earlier carrier.
As for Saudi Arabian, I’ve heard it’s not what is once was but I’m guessing it’s still pretty good depending on what fleet you’re on. Recently I’ve heard on the grapevine that they’re again recruiting a few expat Captains onto their B777’s/B787’s & A340’s. I’m not sure where those A340’s came from because they weren’t operating any within their main airline operations during my tenure. The Saudi Royal Family were discreetly operating a few. At least an 340-600, a A340-500 & a few A340-300’s in various confidential disguises. If they’re operating & recruiting for A340’s for their mainline operations it may be due to a passenger capacity bottleneck.
Not sure about the money or T’s & C’s there these days since my tenure came to an end. I’d heard they’d changed for the worse. If you want the latest “skinny“, or the the dead on SP, I’d look to see what “Mutt” has to say on that matter.
As for where I’d “lay my money” predicting the next “Golden Goose”. In the Middle East my money would go on either RIA (depending on MBS’s 2030 economic time line and how quickly NEOM and Red Sea Resort develops) or Saudi Arabian (depending on burgeoning Hajj, Umrah & Africa expansion) or, alternatively, SF Express in China, when it starts to really move. From what I hear the dosh at SF express isn’t too shabby at the moment.
The comments above from Zorro are also definitely worthy of merit. Definitely Saudi Arabian was the last bastion of where the Golden Goose roosted & nested. His comments concerning being “treated like “Royalty” were true. You rarely saw another airline crew in the hotels Saudi Arabian used because they were too expensive.Typically the older, more traditional, more discrete type of hotel-such The Langham in Hong Kong. A suite was “de rigour” for Captain’s, as was executive lounge access for all flight crew with complement food and drinks.
Age limit and recruitment restriction permitting, many “long timers” at Saudi, with a pension coming, may well indeed be eyeing RIA. However, an exodus from Saudi Arabian, in favour of RIA, would likely put pressure on Saudi Arabian to improve their and T’s & C’s to discourage an exodus induced shortage. That’s why they’d be in running for one of my “Golden Goose” tips. My guess is, based upon MBS’s 2030 economic model, that even with an exodus from Saudi Arabian in favour of KIA they’ll still be hundreds of crew short.
Last edited by VAMY; 18th Mar 2024 at 23:20.