A quick back of the envelope.

There are 4800 members. Let's say half are family, half single. 1440+2880= 4320/2 = 2160*4800=

10,368,000 in annual dues.

Okay those numbers could be plus or minus a couple of million.

No one is suggesting there is anything untoward going on BUT it is essential that complete and full transparency in annual accounts was sent to every member with that increase notice.

Further - not sure how long that lease is on Fairmont - but wouldn't the best location be that which is located closest to the main concentration of pilots - i.e. Meydan/DSO..not to mention price

C'mon APC, if you are going to ask for a 20% increase - you need to attach a detailed financial explanation & do a better job of explaining how this all works in a way that serves us - the members.

And no - attending the AGM won't do.

So just checked Ritz Carlton couple. It's 37000 vs EPC 2880. And thats just one club. Go for it guys. I think you're losing the plot.

Who is greedy
1st the clubs APC has partnership with, unless that there is no reason that frequent contract renewals are required. these partners want to drive the prices up year by year


Why is APC still in Fairmont, most rents in the last years had a contract only for one year (was usually difficult to get for more), because landlords are greedy and wanted the chance to increase the rent year by year. on the other hand it is since 2 years clear that the majority of pilots will be living in Medyan the one and the other one, or DSO


I heard a rumor that the nice ladies in the office makeing AED 25.000 plus a month, can't confirm it, but it's a rumor. that's to part with the voluteering work. I don't know what the IT costs are to manage all those card readers. understandable enough that nobody will sit in an office the entire day for nothing, but that amount - seriously?

The numbers are not the issue here and as fliion has said already, it is the lack of transparency.

How would you feel if you went into a car garage for a service and they said the cost of parts has gone up by 10%, so as a result we are going to charge you 20% more? No one likes being taken for a ride!

The issue here is that APC have not told us what they estimate VAT, inflation plus any other costs to be, which is supported with a detailed and reasonable explanation. The 20% seems to be nothing more than a figure plucked from thin air, since they have failed to justify it otherwise.

I left EPC many years ago when I knew of members money being wasted by a board member to pay for "expenses". Eating out and drinking fine beverages on the members money instantly made me want to resign my membership.

I left several years ago, I had a low membership number. As a non golfer I couldn't justify paying for what was becoming primarily a golf club membership card. Most restaurants now take Platinum over E/APC and the value of Platinum far outweighs APC in both cost and outlets.

Members have very little control on what the funds are spent on and the clubs finances are certainly not transparent.

J

Yes I would caution against statements without supporting evidence on a professional pilots RUMOR network.


Derrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Why are they doing this?
Simply because they think they can.
No control, no transparency, no rules.
20% up, why not?.... Well, I really hope it will backfire

So the reason for becoming cardless ? going out of business, press "delete" on a computer, and that is, no more entrances or discount instantly as in any case you had nothing in your pocket ...

How about the EK Pilot's start a new Pilots club??? Cheap as we can make it. Just beach access, which also covers gyms, and golf club discounts. Platinum for all other discounts. And just EK crew. Minimum paid staff. Office location, if any, to suit the majority of EK accomodation locations. And complete transparency. What do you think boys and girls? Would enough be interested? Think its time that the majority of us break from APC.

Have a look on Emirates Pilots Wives Husbands FB group, there's a good thread on there about it.

what a shame! I've been a member for 11 years.. not all of us work at EK.. even if we are in the EK group! my single membership was 650/ year in 2006.. i just can't accept the new increase today, and the lack of transparency as quoted.. where is the line in the sand.. if you really are not for profit!? ... i will miss my favourite gym but nothing else.. maybe you wanted less members? if so I'm sure this will be the case! good luck APC i will not be renewing i hope you have competition which is not just the Platinum card as that is what you and the rest of us really need!

Membership fees equal to somewhere close to AED 6 million a year already. Something is not right here.

HMM, FP.
Getting to the AGM is all well and good for those who do not spend most of their time out of Dubai.
The accounts could be easily displayed via a secure link from the club website.
Whats to hide?

Platinum shut down with out pilots, that's the best joke of the day.

“Petulant and grossly ignorant”

It’s exactly that agreessive defensiveness that makes people really start to wonder.

Then you go on to counsel politeness

Ffs

I personally can't remember the last time I was in Dubai for the AGM due to the roster and I certainly won't be the only one. That aside though, why should there be a game of 'cat and mouse' for such information, when a significant number will be unable to attend the AGM every year, due to the roster?

Comparing the APC to the Platinum Card is like comparing apples and oranges, as the latter is run by a company where there is little compunction when advantage is taken of their own staff to benefit the bottom line. However APC is a club run by fellow pilots, who hold positions with a mandate to safeguard our interests and oversee that the funds we invest, are spent wisely and appropriately. To say that the dichotomy between the two is significant, is an understatement.

Those in influential positions within the APC know that there is a noticeable degree of discontent amongst a number of its membership, after the last email. Despite this discontent being palpable, there has been no subsequent communication to engage with us and provide clarity as to why this decision has been taken. The modus operandi of burying ones head in the sand, which we see all too often in this part of the world, seems to have been adopted. The saying 'a little goes a long way' is appropriate here. A selection of a few but well chosen words to all members to alleviate the situation, would help make significant inroads into restoring the confidence and optimism in APC, that seems to have been eroded for a number of members.

Get real muppets, less than a coffee at a beach club! Go and enjoy the benefits.

I agree though, why the expensive office, it's not required.