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.

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

I have a small device attached to my computer that measures understatement and it just exploded!!

BWAHAHAHAHAH!!! omigod that is funny! *wipes tears from eyes*

Dubai is the World Capital of bull!!!!, the absolute only area it excels in is self-promotion. Yes, there is opportunity, and yes, there is even some money to be made. But unless you come from somewhere like SA where you've gotten tired of having a gun stuck in your face, or Zim where you've had your property stolen and your family killed, I wouldn't get too anticipatory about all the "culture" you're going to drink in...DXB is where culture goes to die, where even the celebration of crass is cynical, where Las Vegas looks tasteful and wholesome by comparison. Buying a Guggenheim and a Louvre (if that even happens now) is not "culture". Malls are not "culture". Greed, selfishness and lies are, I suppose, but I'm guessing that's not what you're looking forward to?

Anyway do be sure to post again AFTER you join!

I have to admit "where culture goes to die" is pretty funny but going back to the thread, has anyone in the pool heard anything? I interviewed end of June and it's been quiet. Not that it doesn't surprise me with the world economy....

Hopefully 10 days and counting......I'm wondering the same thing. I have a feeling it won't be til next early year.

I believe reading something a week ago, about EK retaking the hiring as of Feb 2009. People in the holding pool should just be patient. The Chairman voiced his views as well, saying that EK will continue with the expansion, despite the global economic turmoil.

Living in Dubai, driving around, dealing with the different nationalities, requires a great deal of patience and common sense. :E

Bavarian

You were warned, your job application has been denied due to the post already filled for the assistant chief pilot.

Don't let us ever here you moan whilst you're in EK - that's if you get in of course.

Good luck

A gentle heads-up for the more experienced in the pool, the current time for command is 3 years and 4 months, and is expected to increase due to the reduced intake next year, and the slow pace of people leaving due to the world situation.

Therefore even if you do meet the Accelerated Command requirements, you are unlikely to get a command any earlier than your coursemates. Quite a few of us were told that we meet the AC requirements, and should expect commands within 18-24 months, but with so little movement we can now expect command at about 48 months.

Remember, when you join, there are over 1200 First Officers ahead of you on the Seniority List. Intakes were planned at 450-550 pilots per year at the beginning of this year, now next year's intake is apparently planned at 150.

If you are out of work, or soon about to be, then this is still a good place. But if your job is secure, think once again if the major upheaval for you, and more importantly, your family is worth it.

Good luck, I hope things move quickly for all of you in the pool (and those trying to get in!!)

EK Interview & Lifestyle
 

I just received notification of an interview in Feb. Anyone else?? Also, any current pilots with accurate lifestyle/working conditions update? What are EK's plans for the future? I'm being furloughed in Feb, and so far this looks like the only opportunity. Any info would be greatly appreciated...

which kind of airplane are you rated for at the moment?
whend did you aplied?
how long didi you wait before hearing something from ek?
thank you very much

B767
July 2008
This is the first thing I heard from them. I did update my flying hours in Oct.

Hope this is good news...

Job security? Well, I just got downgraded to an F/O position after 4 years as a Captain at an airline here in the US. Huge pay cut and kids are almost ready for preschool. Seeing EK's benefits, I just can't turn my back and walk away. In addition, tax free income and a world class airline, atleast comparing with any airline in the States.

Mr Shaft,

If your being downgraded, why will they need to interview/hire in the coming year? Aside from housing, schools, and tax free income. what are the other benefits that weigh into the equation? What is the current housing situation; seems like that is a continual complaint?

Thanks for your help

AS

Anti skid......I'm here in the States with a major airline.....I actually interviewed with EK and I'm currently placed in hiring pool. We were told to expect a course date before the end of the year.

I think the fine print on the course dates at Emirates probably read + or - the end of the year. Based on what some of the gents who work for Emirates say on this site, I think Emirates may do whatever they want not unlike most airlines. So, I am sure it's coming for you guys and gals. But don't be disappointment if it doesn't exactly come before Dec 31st.

Hi!

"Culture" in Dubai?

I have a buddy who went to EK. Hated EK, hated Dubai, etc., etc. He is American and mostly single.

Another buddy is European, wife is American. They LOVE Emirates, they love Dubai. They don't have kids.

I would like it, and I would like for my family to live there, and my kids to go to school there.

cliff
GRB

Life anywhere in the world is what you make it...

FWIW, I got re-invited for early February interview (was scheduled in September, all interviews xld at the time). I'm currently on the 767/757 but have also got a lot of hours on the A320/A319. Currently at a legacy, 9,500 TT, 1,000 PIC (727), applied for an FO position.

Okay Folks here is an up-to-date picture of things at Emirates as I write this email (could change by tomorrow!!)

For the guys/gals in North America I believe it is a good move (that is my own opinion) especially in a legacy carrier with a seniority system. Now this depends on what you want out of your career. If you are happy with you current lifestyle and the priority is on where you live, stay where you are. Dubai (at times) can be a challenging place to live especially if you are from the Western world. The level of incompetence with various employment sectors is sometime mind-boggling. I wonder sometimes how this place functions on a regular basis, but it does, in it's own unique way. If your career paths has you wanting to flying large aircraft to a wide spectrum of destinations (from third world to first world), Emirates is the place. The equipment is great (with lot's of on-board toys), and the cabin crew are great to work with. Not the place for someone who's marriage is on the rock, if you know what I mean :ok:

As far as the housing situation goes, basically it is a mess. From what I am told from guys I work with, there is still a little over 100 pilots in temporary accommodations and and no end in sight. One question I would ask if you do interview is, "can you show me the villa's the latest round of new-hires were "assigned". That could be a deal breaker from the candidates point-of-view. The next round of villa's in the choice areas appears to be around mid-2009. Like everything in Dubai, it is a 50-50 chance, that those projects will be pushed back until the end of 2009 considering the current financial situation in Dubai itself. My advise would be to leave the family at home until you have a move in date. It will save you a lot of stress, yes, even more than if you commuted back and forth until the accommodation issue is resolved. I must admit, it is nice not having a mortgage and utility payment every month.

The fleet assignment. If you get Airbus, expect a lot of sub-continent turns (India, Pakistan, etc) in the bottom big groups in the over-night hours, with 8-10 days off per-month. While it is not a lot of days off, you are home a lot. In the tops groups expect a better sked to places like Europe, etc. Once you are CCQ on the A340 the roster should improve even further. If you get Boeing, well the roster is just better because of the long-haul type flying the aircraft does.

The working conditions. They have their moments, but then again, every airline does, and I have yet to encounter an airline where everyone is happy (unless they are all on drugs :eek:). Even though there is no union, they are an okay bunch to work for and I will give them credit (where credit is due). They are not laying-off even when they are a little fat, they are still taking delivery of new aircraft, and are still looking to expand in 2009 where most other carriers on cutting back. Looks like they taking advantage of their competitions weakness in challenging times, like any smart business operation would. I do like working for a group that can quickly adjust to a changing market-place and not have to get "approval" from the "unions".

Family life. Well it is what you make it. Some people love it and some hate it. It all depends on your mind-set. One thing to remember, you are here for a good time, not a life-time. The schooling for the little ones is great and you do not need to worry about them getting shot in the school yard or going through metal-detectors when they enter the school. They will be exposed to a wide-range of different cultures, which is an education in itself. As far as the driving goes, the only word I can thing of is "Valium". There is road rage here, but not the shot at you type, just a lot of yelling (and if you do not speak the language, it is all babble anyways). The police and transit authority are trying to curb the driving issue, but it will take time.

So for those considering coming, you have the facts. There is lots of opportunity here, but Dubai is not the place for everybody. Personally, it was the right move so far for my family, earlier retirement, and some great life experiences.

Good luck to all with your decision.

Still hiring?
 

What are the chances of guy like me getting a call from Emirates?
6800TT 1700 B-747 of which 500 is on the 747-400.
Thanks

Those in the pool......received an email to expect HR update this week...hope that's the case.

Thanks ataboy. Great post. Factual, balanced and will help to make the decision.