Air Baltic information
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 108
Likes: 38
From: EU
No, not offended at all. I flew the JS31/32 for a solid and quite fun 4 years (though never for AIS). But I have been flying jets for many years since, without any particular interest in airBaltic. It is just a bit weird that a handful of posters here got upset, and have since been salty, that a company gives applicants MORE opportunity instead of less.
I would say it does not really negatively affect anyone already employed in AB if you get some guys with actual commercial flying experience instead of cadets only? Anyway, carry on.
I would say it does not really negatively affect anyone already employed in AB if you get some guys with actual commercial flying experience instead of cadets only? Anyway, carry on.
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: EU
They keep advertising for Finland…
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 5
From: EU
Hi Guys!
As I can see Air Baltic is hiring constantly for a lot of bases across Europe (NTR F/O position).
Is anybody here working for them as F/O?
Their T&C (especially those concerning salary) are not clear for me - so it would be easier to get some answers directly from somebody working there before applying.
1. How big salary can I expect there monthly net? In my current airline I can get approximately 3750 Euroes net per month and no other benefits except food on board and myid tickets. B2B of course, no permanent job contract, no any licence/medical insurance, terrible DT/FT ratio,
2. How is the general atmosphere? Instructors, captains, cabin crew and another people which we cooperate with daily?
3. What are the options for being upgraded to Cpt? Currently as FO on E-Jet family I have approximately 1500hrs and 2500hrs total.
Thank You so much Guys in advance for all the replies.
As I can see Air Baltic is hiring constantly for a lot of bases across Europe (NTR F/O position).
Is anybody here working for them as F/O?
Their T&C (especially those concerning salary) are not clear for me - so it would be easier to get some answers directly from somebody working there before applying.
1. How big salary can I expect there monthly net? In my current airline I can get approximately 3750 Euroes net per month and no other benefits except food on board and myid tickets. B2B of course, no permanent job contract, no any licence/medical insurance, terrible DT/FT ratio,
2. How is the general atmosphere? Instructors, captains, cabin crew and another people which we cooperate with daily?
3. What are the options for being upgraded to Cpt? Currently as FO on E-Jet family I have approximately 1500hrs and 2500hrs total.
Thank You so much Guys in advance for all the replies.
2. Atmosphere.. Some happy some not. Keep in mind that a lot of pilots are paying the bond to leave, can't handle it for three years. Beside job, Riga is depressing.
3. There are pilots in the company flying the A220 since 2018 and still not upgraded. There are some quick upgrades like a Captain who was involved in a runway excursion having failed his TR on the A220 at the first try. Social skills matter for the upgrade
What do you mean by bases across Europe? There isn't such a thing
Last edited by patituri; 14th July 2024 at 10:49.
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Prague
1. FO 4100 gross (2815 net), so 935 euros less than your current salary. Bond is 3 years, 36000 euros. Apartments in center cost more than 1000 for rent plus the utilities which are a lot especially during the winter. Parking is expensive in the center and for free if you have an electric car. Captain's salary 4600 net
2. Atmosphere.. Some happy some not. Keep in mind that a lot of pilots are paying the bond to leave, can't handle it for three years. Beside job, Riga is depressing.
3. There are pilots in the company flying the A220 since 2018 and still not upgraded. There are some quick upgrades like a Captain who was involved in a runway excursion having failed his TR on the A220 at the first try. Social skills matter for the upgrade
What do you mean by bases across Europe? There isn't such a thing
2. Atmosphere.. Some happy some not. Keep in mind that a lot of pilots are paying the bond to leave, can't handle it for three years. Beside job, Riga is depressing.
3. There are pilots in the company flying the A220 since 2018 and still not upgraded. There are some quick upgrades like a Captain who was involved in a runway excursion having failed his TR on the A220 at the first try. Social skills matter for the upgrade
What do you mean by bases across Europe? There isn't such a thing
Maybe I misunderstood something about the base.
1. It's unbelievable. I was sure that my company with it's pilot's salary is at the bottom in this part of Europe. You have mentioned probably net base salary but there has to be some additional part. I cannot imagine that They are able to find flight crews for this money and keep them in,
2. This is pretty much same everywhere and in this part of Europe,
3. So it's rubbish what They have mentioned in their offer? I can imagine that one is accepting lower income because of the faster upgrade possibility but if it's as well rubbish... ymmm super strange..
Exactly, it's super strange but nevertheless Thank You so much for Your reply.
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 5
From: EU
Maybe I misunderstood something about the base.
1. It's unbelievable. I was sure that my company with it's pilot's salary is at the bottom in this part of Europe. You have mentioned probably net base salary but there has to be some additional part. I cannot imagine that They are able to find flight crews for this money and keep them in,
2. This is pretty much same everywhere and in this part of Europe,
3. So it's rubbish what They have mentioned in their offer? I can imagine that one is accepting lower income because of the faster upgrade possibility but if it's as well rubbish... ymmm super strange..
Exactly, it's super strange but nevertheless Thank You so much for Your reply.
1. It's unbelievable. I was sure that my company with it's pilot's salary is at the bottom in this part of Europe. You have mentioned probably net base salary but there has to be some additional part. I cannot imagine that They are able to find flight crews for this money and keep them in,
2. This is pretty much same everywhere and in this part of Europe,
3. So it's rubbish what They have mentioned in their offer? I can imagine that one is accepting lower income because of the faster upgrade possibility but if it's as well rubbish... ymmm super strange..
Exactly, it's super strange but nevertheless Thank You so much for Your reply.
Joined: Feb 2024
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Prague
What makes people's decision about taking this kind of offer?
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 5
From: EU
2-3 k for flying could be ok as long as you don't need to relocate. Otherwise it doesn't worth it
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: EU
Originally Posted by EUJetPilot;[url=tel:11696226
11696226[/url]]Maybe I misunderstood something about the base.
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Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 115
Likes: 7
From: EU
European problem with too many wannabee instagram pilots. All it will take is one crash to brake this circle in Europe between instagram pilots and airlines which are paying peanuts. Unfortunately
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Poland
In this case, the problem isn't BT, it's the advertising sites that publish misleading ads on many companies. There is only one base: Riga. You start your duty in Riga and you end it there. There are operational bases from which aircraft fly, but as a crew you fly from there and sleep in a hotel afterwards for 5 days.
I've been flying for them for several years and I'm fed up. The rosters in winter are very chill, but from March to October it's 3/4 ACMI layovers in Zurich or Munich per month. The work-life balance is non-existent with 20 days a month away from home. The rosters are FLEX and sometimes make no sense at all. In August I have a 5-1-5-2-6-1-6-4. It's not sustainable in the long term.
The management has brushed off criticism of the conditions with a ‘take it or leave it’ policy. The result: no improvement and many pilots have resigned or are in the process of leaving. Some are happy.
As far as salary is concerned, I got an average of €3,200 net after tax as an FO1, plus €500 per diem. There's been a small increase of €300 gross recently.
Beyond that, airBaltic is not a bad company. If we had the possibility of being based in Tallinn and Vilnius, with a fix roster, that would be a very good condition. In the meantime, it's not worth it unless you're on a turboprop or want to switch to a left seat.
The aircraft are well maintained, and most of my colleagues are very professional.
I've been flying for them for several years and I'm fed up. The rosters in winter are very chill, but from March to October it's 3/4 ACMI layovers in Zurich or Munich per month. The work-life balance is non-existent with 20 days a month away from home. The rosters are FLEX and sometimes make no sense at all. In August I have a 5-1-5-2-6-1-6-4. It's not sustainable in the long term.
The management has brushed off criticism of the conditions with a ‘take it or leave it’ policy. The result: no improvement and many pilots have resigned or are in the process of leaving. Some are happy.
As far as salary is concerned, I got an average of €3,200 net after tax as an FO1, plus €500 per diem. There's been a small increase of €300 gross recently.
Beyond that, airBaltic is not a bad company. If we had the possibility of being based in Tallinn and Vilnius, with a fix roster, that would be a very good condition. In the meantime, it's not worth it unless you're on a turboprop or want to switch to a left seat.
The aircraft are well maintained, and most of my colleagues are very professional.
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 87
Likes: 7
From: Latvia
Easy for them to say it with the 3 years bond. In my current company I have 18 months bond
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 87
Likes: 7
From: Latvia
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 261
Likes: 42
From: Europe
I know a few who were laid off and got rehired without issue. One of them mentioned that some did not get rehired after failing the psychological assessment that became standard somewhere not too long before COVID.
I would not be surprised if the CS-25 requirement is another way to state "multi-engine turbine powered aircraft with a MTOW of 5700kg or above" which the JS31/32 definitely is.
Define CS-25 aircraft... For example, the TCDS for the Dash-8 Series does not state it is certified according to CS-25. Is it a CS-25 plane? Certification basis is FAR25 and JAR25, predecessors of CS-25. The UK equivalent back then was BCAR Section D, under which the Jetstream was certified and which is the certification basis of its EASA type certificate.
But that is something for another discussion. Great, they gave some pilots who know how to fly a plane a chance, after others failed to pass the new assessment procedures. Unless you or I were part of the process at that time, we have no way of telling what happened behind the scenes. Could be nasty intentions, could be unfortunate assessment fails. You have heard stuff, I have heard different stuff.
Truth probably somewhere in the middle as always, but I just don't get the point of bringing it up at every opportunity if you have no dog in the fight. If you already have a job at AB you get new colleagues that likely are a bit more qualified than your average cadet. And if you do not yet have a job at AB, cool, their requirements might not be as set in stone as they advertise so shoot your shot.
I would not be surprised if the CS-25 requirement is another way to state "multi-engine turbine powered aircraft with a MTOW of 5700kg or above" which the JS31/32 definitely is.
Define CS-25 aircraft... For example, the TCDS for the Dash-8 Series does not state it is certified according to CS-25. Is it a CS-25 plane? Certification basis is FAR25 and JAR25, predecessors of CS-25. The UK equivalent back then was BCAR Section D, under which the Jetstream was certified and which is the certification basis of its EASA type certificate.
But that is something for another discussion. Great, they gave some pilots who know how to fly a plane a chance, after others failed to pass the new assessment procedures. Unless you or I were part of the process at that time, we have no way of telling what happened behind the scenes. Could be nasty intentions, could be unfortunate assessment fails. You have heard stuff, I have heard different stuff.
Truth probably somewhere in the middle as always, but I just don't get the point of bringing it up at every opportunity if you have no dog in the fight. If you already have a job at AB you get new colleagues that likely are a bit more qualified than your average cadet. And if you do not yet have a job at AB, cool, their requirements might not be as set in stone as they advertise so shoot your shot.
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 108
Likes: 38
From: EU
Intrance
I don't have any specific interest, but it doesn't add up to be super strict and actually fire colleagues over formality assessments and on the other hand being soft on initial requirements. In less or greater extent most of us have seen or experienced unfair treatment in different airlines, is not a bad thing to call such behaviors
I don't have any specific interest, but it doesn't add up to be super strict and actually fire colleagues over formality assessments and on the other hand being soft on initial requirements. In less or greater extent most of us have seen or experienced unfair treatment in different airlines, is not a bad thing to call such behaviors
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 87
Likes: 7
From: Latvia
I know a few who were laid off and got rehired without issue. One of them mentioned that some did not get rehired after failing the psychological assessment that became standard somewhere not too long before COVID.
I would not be surprised if the CS-25 requirement is another way to state "multi-engine turbine powered aircraft with a MTOW of 5700kg or above" which the JS31/32 definitely is.
Define CS-25 aircraft... For example, the TCDS for the Dash-8 Series does not state it is certified according to CS-25. Is it a CS-25 plane? Certification basis is FAR25 and JAR25, predecessors of CS-25. The UK equivalent back then was BCAR Section D, under which the Jetstream was certified and which is the certification basis of its EASA type certificate.
But that is something for another discussion. Great, they gave some pilots who know how to fly a plane a chance, after others failed to pass the new assessment procedures. Unless you or I were part of the process at that time, we have no way of telling what happened behind the scenes. Could be nasty intentions, could be unfortunate assessment fails. You have heard stuff, I have heard different stuff.
Truth probably somewhere in the middle as always, but I just don't get the point of bringing it up at every opportunity if you have no dog in the fight. If you already have a job at AB you get new colleagues that likely are a bit more qualified than your average cadet. And if you do not yet have a job at AB, cool, their requirements might not be as set in stone as they advertise so shoot your shot.
I would not be surprised if the CS-25 requirement is another way to state "multi-engine turbine powered aircraft with a MTOW of 5700kg or above" which the JS31/32 definitely is.
Define CS-25 aircraft... For example, the TCDS for the Dash-8 Series does not state it is certified according to CS-25. Is it a CS-25 plane? Certification basis is FAR25 and JAR25, predecessors of CS-25. The UK equivalent back then was BCAR Section D, under which the Jetstream was certified and which is the certification basis of its EASA type certificate.
But that is something for another discussion. Great, they gave some pilots who know how to fly a plane a chance, after others failed to pass the new assessment procedures. Unless you or I were part of the process at that time, we have no way of telling what happened behind the scenes. Could be nasty intentions, could be unfortunate assessment fails. You have heard stuff, I have heard different stuff.
Truth probably somewhere in the middle as always, but I just don't get the point of bringing it up at every opportunity if you have no dog in the fight. If you already have a job at AB you get new colleagues that likely are a bit more qualified than your average cadet. And if you do not yet have a job at AB, cool, their requirements might not be as set in stone as they advertise so shoot your shot.
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Poland
Following the large number of departures, improvements have been announced.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 6
From: Helsinki
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 72
Likes: 5
From: EU
I've desided not to sound like a "spoiled" scandinavian, so I will spear you the stories on quality of life. Latvia has the highest number of alcoholics per capita an for several good reasons. I'll leave it at that.
The company has been to court three times agains pilots and lost every time. Several pilots have left the company with no job to go to. IF you want to relocate to Latvia, why not go for Latcharter. They are getting 2 new A320's this spring.
Airbaltic were telling us about this fantasic new roostering system they had bought in early 2005.
Guess they haven't gotten it yet!?
What you will want to now in advance is that roostering is a problem. They will put 19 pilots on standby to cover one flight rather than give days off, so that you use your holidays when ever you want to have days off. (December 25,27 and 29 2005 to name a few dates)
They will deduct things from your salary without asking. If you get sick- your problem. One of the expats got hit by a car and did not get any pay for two months!
They will only pay you great circle distance X TAS from A to B. No other pay! 2600 after tax!? Yeah.. at year 2 on the 737 after working 90 block hours a month!
I am now working in the real world and am getting paid 3 times what I got at BT. Having lots of time off and a life!
What ever you deside, I wish you the best of luck!
Ps.. you might want to read up on your russian if you want to know what is going on when you fly in bt.
The company has been to court three times agains pilots and lost every time. Several pilots have left the company with no job to go to. IF you want to relocate to Latvia, why not go for Latcharter. They are getting 2 new A320's this spring.
Airbaltic were telling us about this fantasic new roostering system they had bought in early 2005.
Guess they haven't gotten it yet!?What you will want to now in advance is that roostering is a problem. They will put 19 pilots on standby to cover one flight rather than give days off, so that you use your holidays when ever you want to have days off. (December 25,27 and 29 2005 to name a few dates)
They will deduct things from your salary without asking. If you get sick- your problem. One of the expats got hit by a car and did not get any pay for two months!
They will only pay you great circle distance X TAS from A to B. No other pay! 2600 after tax!? Yeah.. at year 2 on the 737 after working 90 block hours a month!
I am now working in the real world and am getting paid 3 times what I got at BT. Having lots of time off and a life!
What ever you deside, I wish you the best of luck!
Ps.. you might want to read up on your russian if you want to know what is going on when you fly in bt.
Following the large number of departures, improvements have been announced.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: EU
Originally Posted by Wroclaw;[url=tel:11718427
11718427[/url]]Following the large number of departures, improvements have been announced.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.
A minimum of 11 days off per month, with 2x4 days off in a row per month. A change in salary calculation with the introduction of sector pay and a minimum number of hours per month reduced from 60 to 45. The experience supplement has been integrated into the basic salary. Opening of permanent bases this winter and 3 temporary bases next summer.
Finally, bonuses for SFOs and CPTs have been announced for next year.
Management is looking to reduce pilot attrition and attract experienced CPTs and SFOs over the next few years as the fleet expands.