A320 Command (in a year) or EK A380 First Officer.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Ziltoidia... indeed'd.
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That's why you have to make your first and only wife one who is cabin crew. So much less stress and total empathy from them on the job front. The only downside is that when there's a downturn or a pandemic you're both up s**t creek. And occasionally you may have to fly together of course 
Baaaaad advice!
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Join Date: Mar 2024
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As someone who has done exactly this, given up 320 command for RHS in EK, it's all a personal decision. At the end of the day, you're flying planes. Is there likely to be a covid situation in the next 3/4 years, hopefully not. You'll realistically have a widebody command there in 4/5 years at this rate. I'd wager that's more valuable than a 320 command.
But, it's a personal decision. I'm getting more money, it's a safer city for me to raise a family and from experience, my lifestyle better suits long haul.
I don't really think you can make a wrong decision here. It's a job. What's going to suit your personal life better? I don't wanna fly planes when I'm 65. And I won't be retiring early paying 50% tax in Europe.
Command is great, but it's not the golden goose. I'll sit in whatever seat they like if they pay me more.
But, it's a personal decision. I'm getting more money, it's a safer city for me to raise a family and from experience, my lifestyle better suits long haul.
I don't really think you can make a wrong decision here. It's a job. What's going to suit your personal life better? I don't wanna fly planes when I'm 65. And I won't be retiring early paying 50% tax in Europe.
Command is great, but it's not the golden goose. I'll sit in whatever seat they like if they pay me more.
I understand you were flying the 320 outside ME.
It completely makes sense for you to move as your family gets better benefits and they are safer AND you get paid better as well.
But in my case i am already in the ME. So if you understand all these things dont change for me if I move. Instead staying at my current airline makes me more money than EK in the long run.
Getting a Command in EK in 4-5 years? Please speak to some people there.
Lastly when it comes to Covid (or similar events). LCC’s flying the 320’s. Made good profit and ALL the Pilots who were let go, were called back!
But again as I said. If I was outside ME and got the Ofeer I would definitely come to EK.
Enjoy your time there
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Join Date: Mar 2024
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But in the long term my current airline is wayyy better.
Flying hours almost same. (80-90).. alinger flights in EK. More turnarounds here.
It’s been briefly raised . . . . . best estimate on time to command ar present with EK ?
Tks in advance, Oz2
Tks in advance, Oz2
Join Date: Oct 2023
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Are you considering just the salary for that calculation or are you including all the benefits? End of service/pension fund, insurances (health, loss of license), education, housing allowance, platinum card.
There's a document they send candidates that shows projected total rewards. I believe it's grossly exaggerated but it estimates total rewards to be around $16500 per month (F/O). Of course a big percentage of that is not take home money but you should consider that. Subtracting all the non-cash benefits it shows $9500/month take home money. I don't know how realistic that is as it includes profit share which is not guaranteed. If I were you I would just apply and decide later. Spend some time in Dubai and have a taste of the city. Maybe you or your family would hate it there and that'd be it.
Last edited by Aero_manoloman; 26th Mar 2024 at 08:40.
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I am in similar situation. I think I might go for it as I am single and without kids which is less risk in terms of family situation.
30Yo flying for pink ULCC in eastern Eu. No home base within the network and other LCC at home not any better. Overall my company is nice from personal experience but since I dont have home base I dont think I will stay indefinitely. Also, the town I grew up is irrelevant as home because my family is all around the world now and I am coming from different countries every time coming from holidays. I could try the pinky in ME and stay in the same company but the waiting list is long and dont get all the benefits you would with EK.
Regarding the upgrade. All the cons stated above are right today. But I see a positive trend in competition with the other ME Majors now Ria is lunching next year + A350s coming…(while 777X are really struggling to get certified) it seems to me 5/6 years to first command shot on bus fleet is actually possible. Even if it ends up 7/8 years, its not a deal breaker for me. Long term I want to go to save money while getting global flying experience.
I just applied now. Lets see what happens
cheers
30Yo flying for pink ULCC in eastern Eu. No home base within the network and other LCC at home not any better. Overall my company is nice from personal experience but since I dont have home base I dont think I will stay indefinitely. Also, the town I grew up is irrelevant as home because my family is all around the world now and I am coming from different countries every time coming from holidays. I could try the pinky in ME and stay in the same company but the waiting list is long and dont get all the benefits you would with EK.
Regarding the upgrade. All the cons stated above are right today. But I see a positive trend in competition with the other ME Majors now Ria is lunching next year + A350s coming…(while 777X are really struggling to get certified) it seems to me 5/6 years to first command shot on bus fleet is actually possible. Even if it ends up 7/8 years, its not a deal breaker for me. Long term I want to go to save money while getting global flying experience.
I just applied now. Lets see what happens
cheers
