Anything new? 15 days and counting. Sure would be a nice Christmas present.:}

Bluedun

I have heard nothing, just that all of in the pool will be getting calls soon. The pool will be empty by June 09'. Most experienced time in Boeing/Airbus go first.
It is just the waiting game now. Im sure we will hear when that first lucky charm gets the letter or call.:)

Gents,

Crack a cold one and enjoy your Christmas and New Year. I very much doubt any of us are going to hear anything in the next 2 weeks.

Does anybody have any reasonable guesses as to how many of us really are in the pool? So far I had heard everything from 100-300.

Last I heard around 110 or so, but definetly not more than 150. Hope we do get a call and get with it.

what are you guys fussing about? the global bubble has burst and whatever dreams you have in reviving your avaitions careers will be short lived when you come to the middle east. sooner than later, the region will implode!

Bavarian

There's plenty of you in the pool, in fact that pool could shortly overflow.

If you're not type rated or have some real good heavy time you'll find that you will move closer to the deep end. There's been a huge change in the experience level applying.

Good luck

Okay. Is the source of this data fairly reliable and do you have a number of poolies?

Just curious, I got re-invited for a February interview (I was one of the interviewees who had their September interview cancelled). Why are they interviewing again if the pool is so full and not likely to get drained? They actually sent me my ticket this time, which is further along then I got last time.

hy
what kind of airplane are you rated for?
thanks

It is correct to say that the global economic bubble has burst. However, visions of global doom and the middle east's financial demise are likely far exaggerated. Due to the explosive growth of several middle eastern nations and the shear infinite wealth when compared to most industrialized or G1 nations, it is perhaps more accurate to talk about a long overdue financial self-correction, particularly in Dubai. Real estate value, as admitted by most experts, rose unproportionaly and in fact needed to be brought back under control. The fall from economic grace appears more dramatic than that of other nations simply because countries like the UAE, until now, seemed immune to market fluctuations. Put another way: we are simply not used to negative financial data from oil-rich middle east and and such news is much amplified but perhaps not accurate. The loss of $100.000 is not the same to Warren Buffet as it is to your average retiree. When we look at the meteoric succuss of Dubai, as evidenced by the massive building boom and the explosive yet calculated growth of EK, it was almost obscene considering that many economies and most established carriers are struggling just to stay afloat. This is not just wishful thinking of a delusional dreamer. Yes, EK has a problem and the financial interdependency between it and Dubai is one. But fact is that when you look in detail at all the reports that have come out since the news about financial difficulties made the rounds, we are talking about reduced growth not losses. EK for instance incurred in terms of percentage points a large loss, yet is still profitable. The housing market has not nearly bottomed out but has merely slowed. Tourism experts agree that Dubai has to undertake a temporary shift in its marketing to still attract customers and be profitable. Emirates and Etihad are very well respected, solid airlines with elaborate and profitable networks in an era were world travel is only increasing. Both carriers are geostrategically located and air travel will not decrease. With regard to Abu Dhabi, let's not forget that it too is experiencing the pinch of the economic crisis. It's oil reserves alone won't be enough and it lags far behind DXB in its urban and tourist development.

I believe that is good news for all of us and matches what I had heard in the last few days.

Bav....great post, I must say. That's why I'm willing to let go 11 years here with a major airline for Emirates.

Thanks Mr. Shaft. BTW: I know what it feels like. Had 10.5 with mine before I bailed out. I am convinced it will work out for us in the long run. :ok:

Enjoy your temporary accomodation, your families are gonna love it!!!!! (not)
Divorce and spearation have become a reality for quite a few families over the awful accomodation problems.
Don't moan and say you weren't warned!

Ed's Talking Horse

I don't share the concern about temporary accommodations. It is 'temporary' after all and free to boot as is the permanent housing. Complaining about that strikes me as akin to complaining about having to study to become a doctor. Success is defined by perserverance, tenacity and the sacrifices one is willing to make. I can think of any number of neighborhoods in North America I don't even want to visit much less reside in. With regard to DXB, I choose not to be held captive by that as a constraint. The opportunity to experience another culture and live in yet another country whilst flying wide bodies for a preeminent carrier is in itself rewarding enough. The rest is gravy. I realize that not everything will be quite as glamorous as it is has been marketed. But being offered what EK is offering even on a smaller scale is, in my opinion, a tremendous luxury.

Looks like we have a new applicant for the deputy assisant of the deputy chief pilot or chief instructor or what ever.

Go East young man, go east Bavarian my friend:ok:

I agree with you Bav......It will take time and effort to settle down, but once that is behind you it will be okay! I have seen it with my brother-in-law. He has been their for nearly 3 1/2 years and they've adjusted quite well and living better that what they had before. As we speak, he is upgrading right now to Captain on Boeing 777. I believe it is how you take it! It will not be like the States but it takes time to adjust and know your way around. Anywhere you go, their are those who just look at the cup half empty!!!!!

It is a common misconception that the accommodation, temporary or otherwise, is "free". It isn't. If you move out of company accommodation you get a "utility allowance" of about 150,000 Dhs (US$40,900) for an F/O (I think), about 180,000 Dhs for a Captain. That is the cost of your "free" accommodation and is worth bearing in mind if you end up in a disintegrating two bedroom flat in Deira. The permanent accommodation would cost you way, way more than 200,000 Dhs in the open market so it is a very good deal. But it is not free.

Thanks Mr. Shaft. I couldn't agree more; that is exactly what I wanted to express and the only thing I wanted to express.