SIA Passenger Fleet

[Sawadee]

Hello all,

Could anybody oblige with some help regarding SIA? I have the following questions (I have tried the Search function but up to date info would be good):

1) SIA was recently recruiting First Officers, with the mention of work at either SIA, SIA Cargo or SilkAir. Where are FOs actually likely to work on their first contract?

2) Are these FOs being taken on as DEFOs or SOs?

3) Would having a 777 or 747 Type Rating help a candidate gain a DEFO position on their rated fleet?

4) What is the process for Command: is it based on seniority or experience?

5) What is time to Command (approx) for new starters?

6) Is there anywhere online that shows payscales for Flight Crew?

7) Does SIA offer Staff Travel benefits? (Asked with the prospect of living in Asia and commuting in and out of Changi).

Thanks all. Would much appreciate a chat with any expat pilots on the 777/744 fleets via pm/email.

Regds

Sawadee

[Sawadee]

No help?

Phew..277 views and no replies?

Anybody?

[jetblues]

Just had a look on the SIA web jobs section and there is now NO mention of pilot jobs for qualified pilots, only cadets.

Suspect recruitment is frozen until the 380 nonsense is sorted out ?

[Phil Squares]

1) AFIK, SIA Cargo is the only division recruiting FOs.
2) You come in as a FO
3) Having a type rating for a FO makes no difference at all
4) If you're an expat FO, don't expect a command until you go on local terms.
5) If you were a local FO plan on about 8 yrs. If you don't have the sectors it could be as long as 10. As an expat, get it in writing...Good Luck there!
6) If you go to the SIA Cargo website, it has the FO pay there.
7) Yes, there are travel benefits, crappy, but it's there. As a FO I wouldn't plan on commuting.

Bottom line, don't believe anything unless it's in writing. And only believe it when it happens.

[Sawadee]

Thanks!

Thanks guys,

Not quite as positive as I was hoping, but forewarned is forearmed.

Could anybody expand on how the company deals with expats/local terms pilots? As a European, would it even be possible to get 'local' terms? Initially sounds like all much easier to join SIA only as an Expat Captain.

Thanks,

Sawadee.

[Phil Squares]

Originally Posted by Sawadee

Thanks guys,
Not quite as positive as I was hoping, but forewarned is forearmed.
Could anybody expand on how the company deals with expats/local terms pilots? As a European, would it even be possible to get 'local' terms? Initially sounds like all much easier to join SIA only as an Expat Captain.
Thanks,
Sawadee.

If you are talking about SIA mainline, forget it. There is no need for or desire to hire FOs. However, if you are talking about Cargo, then check out the website. The minimums are listed there. I'm sure they (SQ Cargo Mangement) wouldn't care at all if you "volunteered" to come on local terms.....

[millerscourt]

Phil Would you not agree with me that joining SQ as an expat F/O is far too risky because you are tied to 5+ years and then as you say when and a big IF you get a command you have to go onto local terms making it a pointless exercise financially.

[Phil Squares]

Originally Posted by millerscourt

Phil Would you not agree with me that joining SQ as an expat F/O is far too risky because you are tied to 5+ years and then as you say when and a big IF you get a command you have to go onto local terms making it a pointless exercise financially.

I agree 100%!!! Not only is it too risky, but as in all SQ dealings, the contract will favor them. So, they will always have the upper hand. If I remember correctly, I flew with a Cargo FO, on expat terms, and he worked out the salary if he got command and went to local terms. It was within a few dollars of what he made as an expat Cargo FO.

My advice would be not to come as an FO hoping for command. Too many things are out of your control and the financial gains aren't there.