Singapore Cargo Rumours (early 2010)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: too far from home!
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thanks for the replies,
is the bond still $50000us or is it less and do you have any problems getting a bank loan and does it cost you to maintain it and is the bond pro ratered or full amount before the 5yr8mnths.
are you guys happy there and just as miserable as the rest of us or is it really bad. i am in a low cost in uk and get 5 on 4 off but i hate the cold and the taxes getting exponetionally higher.
i have one young child that would be in school so that would be an expense so would i have enough to live properly or will it be a struggle only sitting at home doing nothing. is there lots of stuff to do in singapore and is it really crowded, are the beaches good enough to swim in or pool only!
thanks for the replies and have a great xmas
NG
is the bond still $50000us or is it less and do you have any problems getting a bank loan and does it cost you to maintain it and is the bond pro ratered or full amount before the 5yr8mnths.
are you guys happy there and just as miserable as the rest of us or is it really bad. i am in a low cost in uk and get 5 on 4 off but i hate the cold and the taxes getting exponetionally higher.
i have one young child that would be in school so that would be an expense so would i have enough to live properly or will it be a struggle only sitting at home doing nothing. is there lots of stuff to do in singapore and is it really crowded, are the beaches good enough to swim in or pool only!
thanks for the replies and have a great xmas
NG
Join Date: May 2002
Location: U.K.
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Just had a quick search through this thread for local FO terms and conditions, but could not find any figures. Just how bad is the salary for an expat looking to move with a wife and daughter in tow?
What would be a rough take home figure in US$?
Its a shame that expat conditions do not exist for FO's, because it seems like most people are reasonably positive regarding SIA cargo! I think very few airlines are immune from last minute roster changes, it comes with the job to a certain extent IMHO.
To repeat what another poster mentioned, what bond is required for the 744?
At the end of the day most of us just want a safe and enjoyable day out / trip, both appear to be possible here.
JAS
What would be a rough take home figure in US$?
Its a shame that expat conditions do not exist for FO's, because it seems like most people are reasonably positive regarding SIA cargo! I think very few airlines are immune from last minute roster changes, it comes with the job to a certain extent IMHO.
To repeat what another poster mentioned, what bond is required for the 744?
At the end of the day most of us just want a safe and enjoyable day out / trip, both appear to be possible here.
JAS
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"Do-Over"
While the T's and C's of employment; both current and wished for,
are certainly very important to the jocks and wannabee's,, I opened this thread to give voice to those with intel/RUMOR on the health of the airline itself.
So, how about a "do-over",, call it.. SQC early 2011
I'll start:
- Seems that SQ had a yard-sale on 772's and Fedex bought them by the dozen.
- Been getting hints of more ships being added to the SQC fleet, yet SPA who was slated for conversion to BCF is still active for SQ. Where would these rumored additional ships come from?
- Rumor here is that Atlas has been scouring the streets for every viable 744 and has come up mostly empty.
That should be enough to get things started.
--cheers,, heracles
are certainly very important to the jocks and wannabee's,, I opened this thread to give voice to those with intel/RUMOR on the health of the airline itself.
So, how about a "do-over",, call it.. SQC early 2011
I'll start:
- Seems that SQ had a yard-sale on 772's and Fedex bought them by the dozen.
- Been getting hints of more ships being added to the SQC fleet, yet SPA who was slated for conversion to BCF is still active for SQ. Where would these rumored additional ships come from?
- Rumor here is that Atlas has been scouring the streets for every viable 744 and has come up mostly empty.
That should be enough to get things started.
--cheers,, heracles
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: UK
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is there lots of stuff to do in singapore and is it really crowded, are the beaches good enough to swim in or pool only!
to buy a car, you need a piece of paper first, which is sort of like a licence to own a car. that piece of paper is currently worth almost $70k for a car above 1600cc. Then you need to add the cost of the car + 110% tax + dealer profit.
rents are going up, and cost of living is marginally cheaper than London, though the real purchasing power is probably greater there.
Lots of info available on google!
everything is just so freaking expensive
Join Date: Dec 2008
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See my post of 19 Dec. There is no such thing as a typical monthly roster. What you can be sure of is that your roster will change several times before you depart SIN and several more after you have left SIN.
You will have leave approved and then have your roster delayed down route such that you get back to SIN 3 days after your leave starts without so much as being asked if its ok.
Days off at home are variable, unpredictable and cannot be relied on.
HR are really trying to drive down terms and conditions, morale is as low as I have ever seen it and we still await our 2009 service increment (yes 2009) with baited breath.
You will have leave approved and then have your roster delayed down route such that you get back to SIN 3 days after your leave starts without so much as being asked if its ok.
Days off at home are variable, unpredictable and cannot be relied on.
HR are really trying to drive down terms and conditions, morale is as low as I have ever seen it and we still await our 2009 service increment (yes 2009) with baited breath.
Join Date: Nov 2004
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My thoughts-O'Neill No6.
Only a few months since I left SQ Cargo. Can't believe how much morale has dropped, according to these last two reports.
I do agree that from when we joined in late 2004 until now the package hasn't changed one bit (aside from the "market-linked" increase in housing allowance!). That seems scandalous to me. If they continue on that path they will end up with very much "lower division" Captains.
I must say that 4PW's comment about "crap aircraft" is a surprise. In recent times I cannot remember the aircraft being "crap" I found that to be an area in which I had no complaints.
Undoubtedly for me the worst and worsening factor, was the gob-smackingly poor rostering. I flew all around the world in 8 days in one of my final trips! You are right that 15-20 roster changes throughout the roster period was normal almost for the whole 5 years I was there.
Best of luck guys. I mean it!
I do agree that from when we joined in late 2004 until now the package hasn't changed one bit (aside from the "market-linked" increase in housing allowance!). That seems scandalous to me. If they continue on that path they will end up with very much "lower division" Captains.
I must say that 4PW's comment about "crap aircraft" is a surprise. In recent times I cannot remember the aircraft being "crap" I found that to be an area in which I had no complaints.
Undoubtedly for me the worst and worsening factor, was the gob-smackingly poor rostering. I flew all around the world in 8 days in one of my final trips! You are right that 15-20 roster changes throughout the roster period was normal almost for the whole 5 years I was there.
Best of luck guys. I mean it!
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Well, I guess the MEL's on my departures were more extensive for me. Relative to the 'northern' Asian carriers, SIA Cargo carried a lot of defects. But nothing overly dangerous, so perhaps my comment was a bit OTT.
I often return to Singapore on layovers and have met up with the lads on each occassion, and down-route. The truth hurts, and I'm sorry to see it, but the combined and unanimous angst shown by the guys has been a surprise.
Hopefully things will improve, but don't hold your breath. Vote with your feet. A few others have, and all seem happy with their decisions. Good luck.
I often return to Singapore on layovers and have met up with the lads on each occassion, and down-route. The truth hurts, and I'm sorry to see it, but the combined and unanimous angst shown by the guys has been a surprise.
Hopefully things will improve, but don't hold your breath. Vote with your feet. A few others have, and all seem happy with their decisions. Good luck.
Join Date: Feb 2008
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4PWs, how's Japan treating you?
Anyway I think you're spot on. For the so-called "lull" season where planes are meant to be on the ground getting maintained, the number of birds going tech is unacceptable! The support systems don't seem to work either - imagine out of SIN no one calls you to tell you of a 5hr flight delay until you're at the airport, and you get to the plane and a bunch of engineers are huddled over the console and the plane has been on the ground 10 hrs!
Everyone knows HR worldwide is scum but to see planes being dispatched out of base with so many MELs during the season when they are meant to all be fixed is a worrying indication of the underlying situation.
Anyway I think you're spot on. For the so-called "lull" season where planes are meant to be on the ground getting maintained, the number of birds going tech is unacceptable! The support systems don't seem to work either - imagine out of SIN no one calls you to tell you of a 5hr flight delay until you're at the airport, and you get to the plane and a bunch of engineers are huddled over the console and the plane has been on the ground 10 hrs!
Everyone knows HR worldwide is scum but to see planes being dispatched out of base with so many MELs during the season when they are meant to all be fixed is a worrying indication of the underlying situation.
Join Date: Dec 2002
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I heard that Sincargo had 11 hard landings in just one month; one aircraft grounded for a few days to repair the damages...
It is a lot for a fleet of only 11 planes.
Perhaps safety is not the first priority anymore.
Heads up guys
It is a lot for a fleet of only 11 planes.
Perhaps safety is not the first priority anymore.
Heads up guys
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Couldn't agree more! It was much the same for me and my family during our time there. I still flinch when I think I hear the sound of paper sliding under a hotel room door...It always meant a roster change at SQ Cargo...or that blasted message light on the phone was always flashing...I still look for that too! Seems the roster changes caused irreperable damage to my mind! (
)
Having said that...I was able to take the early get out when it came up to move on to a way better and much happier situation that would not have been available if I didn't have the B744 experience...SQ was not renewing many expat contracts at the time, and let go some very senior and well experienced Captains, some with over 12 years at both Mainline and Cargo...they will replace expats in a heartbeat if they think they can get a guy to join for less money, you can bet on that...it's all about keeping the rice bowl full. As for any job protection you might get from ALPA S...don't hold your breath...it's a "What's In It For Me" club and apart from a few who genuinly have concern for the colleagues, the rest could give a S**t about you. Lots of work done not that long ago on fixing a poor rostering practice was undone and trashed as soon as the few who tried to help left...it's looking like a real nightmare now, which is too bad. There used to be some real talented guys working there, and I loved the flying, but hated the life in the city, and the roster changes...cheap buggers could have made it work, but declined...good luck to those who stay or join.
) Having said that...I was able to take the early get out when it came up to move on to a way better and much happier situation that would not have been available if I didn't have the B744 experience...SQ was not renewing many expat contracts at the time, and let go some very senior and well experienced Captains, some with over 12 years at both Mainline and Cargo...they will replace expats in a heartbeat if they think they can get a guy to join for less money, you can bet on that...it's all about keeping the rice bowl full. As for any job protection you might get from ALPA S...don't hold your breath...it's a "What's In It For Me" club and apart from a few who genuinly have concern for the colleagues, the rest could give a S**t about you. Lots of work done not that long ago on fixing a poor rostering practice was undone and trashed as soon as the few who tried to help left...it's looking like a real nightmare now, which is too bad. There used to be some real talented guys working there, and I loved the flying, but hated the life in the city, and the roster changes...cheap buggers could have made it work, but declined...good luck to those who stay or join.
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Hey guys,
Its great hearing all the individual comments and views on the carrier.
Just a quick question for those in the know ---
For the FO position, are they strict on the 1500 hrs on commercial jet requirement?
I was wondering :- as they (SQC) do not (i may be wrong on this) select from the pool of SQ cadet ab-initio, considering that everyone else is happily flying for their respective airlines or biz jets and gaining hours; who is able to amass 1500 hrs?
And for those who have the hours to leave a company which they are already gainfully employed?
Thanx for the replies
Its great hearing all the individual comments and views on the carrier.
Just a quick question for those in the know ---
For the FO position, are they strict on the 1500 hrs on commercial jet requirement?
I was wondering :- as they (SQC) do not (i may be wrong on this) select from the pool of SQ cadet ab-initio, considering that everyone else is happily flying for their respective airlines or biz jets and gaining hours; who is able to amass 1500 hrs?
And for those who have the hours to leave a company which they are already gainfully employed?
Thanx for the replies
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Fatigue SQC
Hey LC, that gave me a laugh! About the delay messages under the door and the telephone message lights! I have done some holidaying recently and always check for messages in the doorway of my room and for the message light! I am always surprised if I go out for the day and the light is NOT flashing when I return!
There is a topic in the Rumours and News section of pprune (alleged solo napping by SAS pilot) and I have to laugh at some of the reasons people have listed for not obtaining rest on layovers. Remember Anchorage? There was a place that ticked all the boxes. Summertime: Almost 24 hour daylight, trains blaring their horns from 4am onwards, heavily-laden light aircraft whipping past the window 18 hours a day, fighters from the Elmendorf AFB going "straight up" to 50,000', tourist coaches outside from the early hours running their aircon in preparation for their customers, a constant stream of loud-talking (deaf) tourists passing by your door at all hours, security standing outside your room with their "walkie talkies" set on max volume. Added to that the regular difficulties of all hotels as described in that thread.
So glad I'm out of it. I used to make appointments for the day following my scheduled arrival into Singapore, but had to cancel so many times I think people thought I was just lazy. 4PW's is right when he says that the fatigue that you will develop in SQC is close to incomparable with any other job I know.
True about some great guys there. Some lovely local guys and going back to the days when the Scandinavians were there-well it was a good job then no doubt.
These are my reminiscences but I hope that may also be of some help to those trying to make their decisions.
All the best guys.
There is a topic in the Rumours and News section of pprune (alleged solo napping by SAS pilot) and I have to laugh at some of the reasons people have listed for not obtaining rest on layovers. Remember Anchorage? There was a place that ticked all the boxes. Summertime: Almost 24 hour daylight, trains blaring their horns from 4am onwards, heavily-laden light aircraft whipping past the window 18 hours a day, fighters from the Elmendorf AFB going "straight up" to 50,000', tourist coaches outside from the early hours running their aircon in preparation for their customers, a constant stream of loud-talking (deaf) tourists passing by your door at all hours, security standing outside your room with their "walkie talkies" set on max volume. Added to that the regular difficulties of all hotels as described in that thread.
So glad I'm out of it. I used to make appointments for the day following my scheduled arrival into Singapore, but had to cancel so many times I think people thought I was just lazy. 4PW's is right when he says that the fatigue that you will develop in SQC is close to incomparable with any other job I know.
True about some great guys there. Some lovely local guys and going back to the days when the Scandinavians were there-well it was a good job then no doubt.
These are my reminiscences but I hope that may also be of some help to those trying to make their decisions.
All the best guys.
There is a topic in the Rumours and News section of PPRuNe (alleged solo napping by SAS pilot) and I have to laugh at some of the reasons people have listed for not obtaining rest on layovers. Remember Anchorage? There was a place that ticked all the boxes. Summertime: Almost 24 hour daylight, trains blaring their horns from 4am onwards, heavily-laden light aircraft whipping past the window 18 hours a day, fighters from the Elmendorf AFB going "straight up" to 50,000', tourist coaches outside from the early hours running their aircon in preparation for their customers, a constant stream of loud-talking (deaf) tourists passing by your door at all hours, security standing outside your room with their "walkie talkies" set on max volume
In summer, reindeer hot dogs at the stands on 5th Avenue were pretty good too. Then go for a bike ride on the coastal trail to burn off the calories, after which off to LA or Dallas for another 2 day layover. Good old days!
(p.s the notes under the door (often lots) and flashing message light did sometimes take the shine off things a bit, but what the hell, life's got to have a few drawbacks
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SQC application
Morning Folks,
Just wondering how long on average it can take from submitting your application (FO-Local terms) and being called for interview? Considering I have all their requirements .
Thanks
Just wondering how long on average it can take from submitting your application (FO-Local terms) and being called for interview? Considering I have all their requirements .
Thanks
