Emirates rumour mill 2
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 93
Likes: 45
From: Palm
In all fairness most south africans in EK are a good bunch of people to work with.
Didnt they say DEC only when internal FOs and "fast track" candidates are not enough?
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 78
Likes: 15
From: Youwish
Oh please no! For the love of god! I think we hit the saturation point long time ago with these aussies and brits....
In all fairness most south africans in EK are a good bunch of people to work with.
Didnt they say DEC only when internal FOs and "fast track" candidates are not enough?
In all fairness most south africans in EK are a good bunch of people to work with.
Didnt they say DEC only when internal FOs and "fast track" candidates are not enough?
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 93
Likes: 45
From: Palm
The ones that are more reasonable are saying exactly the same about their countrymen, if you are here you would know what I am talking about.
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 89
Likes: 49
From: Australia
Disagree. I find the South Africans the most insufferable to work with. They have quickly replaced the Aussies as the most unbearable people to deal with.
Somehow they seem to think, because they’ve flow a caravan in and out of dust strips, they’ve earned some credibility.
I understand, South Africa is in a big mess. If was there, I would look to escape too.
Somehow they seem to think, because they’ve flow a caravan in and out of dust strips, they’ve earned some credibility.
I understand, South Africa is in a big mess. If was there, I would look to escape too.
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 46
Likes: 29
From: In the sky
Ohhh guys/girls…
When I left EK many moons ago, a wise guy, who has been (at that time) with EK for over 20 years said „…the best decision you have ever made”…
I was in the position to make this decision, he wasn’t unfortunately because of his personal circumstances. That’s the EK thing, even if one wants to leave, they may not be in a position to do so…
One thing is for sure, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea….
When I left EK many moons ago, a wise guy, who has been (at that time) with EK for over 20 years said „…the best decision you have ever made”…
I was in the position to make this decision, he wasn’t unfortunately because of his personal circumstances. That’s the EK thing, even if one wants to leave, they may not be in a position to do so…
One thing is for sure, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea….
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 528
Likes: 62
From: everywhere
It's very disappointing to see all this division. Rather than enjoying the experience of flying with people from some cool parts of the world, it appears to have turned into a cultural battle. It's such an easy job 
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 696
From: Brit living in Malaysia
I did 8 years as a DEC with EK. I joined with my eyes open, I had done my research and it was pretty much what I was expecting - a pure business transaction between employer and employee. I have had several expat jobs, all with airlines flying similar equipment to EK and I enjoyed working for EK the least - exactly as I expected to. But, EK served its purpose for me and I believe that I served my purpose for EK. The people I worked with (of all nationalities and cultures) were generally fine but there were a few interesting characters in management and training who were best avoided. I was one of many pilots made Covid-19 redundant - just 2 years before I had planned on retiring anyway, so it has worked out fine for me. Being retired, I obviously won't have the option to go back to EK but if I did, would I? No, I am glad I joined EK and I did have a few good times but EK served its purpose for me and we move on. It is hard work and a younger and fitter man's job imho. The problem then comes when you wish to leave and realise that to return 'home' in your 40s or 50's you will probably have to do so at the bottom of a long seniority list. I think that may be why so many older guys who might have options (some don't) choose to remain in EK for as long as they can. The money is ok but it doesn't buy happiness and divorce is expensive! Others can reflect on my thoughts and ignore or take note as they choose. Not looking for a fight.
Last edited by BANANASBANANAS; 14th April 2025 at 00:24.
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 215
Likes: 8
From: S E Asia
A320 - 'Twas ever thus. But after nigh on twenty years, in both seats, the reality was that the majority of colleagues were good guys and girls to work alongside, regardless of nationality. I only ever came across a couple of individuals who I'd have considered avoiding, and I think most folks there were of the same opinion of those two.
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 74
Likes: 25
From: Southern Hemisphere
Disagree. I find the South Africans the most insufferable to work with. They have quickly replaced the Aussies as the most unbearable people to deal with.
Somehow they seem to think, because they’ve flow a caravan in and out of dust strips, they’ve earned some credibility.
I understand, South Africa is in a big mess. If was there, I would look to escape too.
Somehow they seem to think, because they’ve flow a caravan in and out of dust strips, they’ve earned some credibility.
I understand, South Africa is in a big mess. If was there, I would look to escape too.
Joined: Apr 2025
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 10
Likes: 15
From: London
Having left EK 3 years ago after 11 long, exhausting years of listening to briefings comprising of “let’s stay out of the office” this is all so very funny to read… best decision ever 😂
enjoy those India night turns!
enjoy those India night turns!
Last edited by exexpat777; 13th April 2025 at 16:12.
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 39
From: Dubai - sand land.
I can’t stand that ‘stay out of the office’ sh1t… Just follow the FCOM and OM-A and you’ll never have an issue…
And if it’s a gusty, crappy day into LHR and the speed is popping over up and down just bloody well carry on and land; it’s expected of you! Too many stupid ASRs about this stuff🙄🙄
Old and cranky after two decades plus here when I see nonsense posted on these threads!
Joined: Apr 2025
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 10
Likes: 15
From: London
I was a 'skipper'...
I even heard one FO tell me once that the biggest threat was him flying the RNAV in to DXB.... I nearly opened the DV window and jumped out over the Gulf...
Life out there elsewhere chaps...
I even heard one FO tell me once that the biggest threat was him flying the RNAV in to DXB.... I nearly opened the DV window and jumped out over the Gulf...
Life out there elsewhere chaps...
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 887
Likes: 131
From: Location, Location
I was at EK from 2008 - 2016. Whilst there, one of Human Factors Specialists (not a pilot) completed his PhD and used surveys of the EK pilot community for his thesis on pilot culture. For a whole year, every pilot in EK on attending the annual CRM recurrent, would fill in a survey of about 100 questions (I think). The results were then shown to us on the next recurrent CRM cycle the following year. The Human Factors Specialist left to become a professor at a UK University if I recall correctly?
Anyway, my point is this: The survey results showed that there was almost no difference in culture between the pilots. We were almost identical despite our nationalities, race or religion. We were more closely bound by the personality traits that make us pilots, than we were by anything else. The only results to questions on the survey that had a wider scattering of answers were where religious adherence was involved (IIRC). That seems to show that the 'outliers' we remember working with were likely standing out not because of their nationality, but because of their unique personalities.
This also fits in with what I remember from my time there. Of about 4500 pilots, about 10 were absolute nightmares who I wouldn't want to be anywhere near, another 10 were maybe a bit eccentric but tolerable for a flight duty, and the rest were absolutely great individuals who I'd happily fly with every day - the consummate professionals who were nice guys and just wanted to go to work, have a nice day out and get paid at the end of it.
Anyway, back on topic.
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 69
Likes: 65
From: Manchester