Best airlines to work for as a Pilot in Europe

[Fakiiri]

I debated making a new thread but I might as well ask here. I'm in a unique situation and I realize that this is a very good problem to have, and I',m not here to gloat. I am a dual US/EU citizen living in the US and working for a big regional airline here and due to upgrade to CA next month. The industry here is obviously doing very well with new contracts bumping up payscales to unprecedented levels. However, as has been discussed on the forums over and over again, money isn't everything.

My wife and I have for a while been dreaming of moving to Europe to start a family. All of my family is there while hers is in the US. The dream was to work for Fedex and be based in CGN, but as of yesterday, they are closing the CGN domicile for good. This makes our dream of living in the Europe while working for a US carrier nearly impossible. So this leaves us with the choice of staying in the US or moving to the EU to work for an airline/private carrier. As far as airlines go, based on my research, only AF/KLM come close to pay and quality of life as the major airlines provide in the US. However, I don't speak French or Dutch. As far as private, people seem pretty happy at NetJets Europe. Do they ever hire direct entry CA's, or do you have to start as an FO? Are there any other good options I might be missing?

Don't know if I'm crazy to consider giving up a career in the US for the EU, but we'd prefer to raise kids there...

Thanks all

[bringbackthe80s]

If you move it will be the biggest mistake of your life.

[Check Airman]

Originally Posted by Fakiiri

I debated making a new thread but I might as well ask here. I'm in a unique situation and I realize that this is a very good problem to have, and I',m not here to gloat. I am a dual US/EU citizen living in the US and working for a big regional airline here and due to upgrade to CA next month. The industry here is obviously doing very well with new contracts bumping up payscales to unprecedented levels. However, as has been discussed on the forums over and over again, money isn't everything.

My wife and I have for a while been dreaming of moving to Europe to start a family. All of my family is there while hers is in the US. The dream was to work for Fedex and be based in CGN, but as of yesterday, they are closing the CGN domicile for good. This makes our dream of living in the Europe while working for a US carrier nearly impossible. So this leaves us with the choice of staying in the US or moving to the EU to work for an airline/private carrier. As far as airlines go, based on my research, only AF/KLM come close to pay and quality of life as the major airlines provide in the US. However, I don't speak French or Dutch. As far as private, people seem pretty happy at NetJets Europe. Do they ever hire direct entry CA's, or do you have to start as an FO? Are there any other good options I might be missing?

Don't know if I'm crazy to consider giving up a career in the US for the EU, but we'd prefer to raise kids there...

Thanks all

Since the FDX door is closed, you may want to look into Atlas. You can live in Europe (almost anywhere really) and work for a US company. The flying is VERY different, and there will be long stretches away from home, as well as long stretches at home.

[AIMINGHIGH123]

What about part time options at your current airline?

That’s my long term plan. I was at an airline that didn’t offer that option. I was chasing the money but am now in a position with more options while money will not be as great.
With your USA ticket you would be mad
to give that up.

[Airone2977]

Originally Posted by Fakiiri

I debated making a new thread but I might as well ask here. I'm in a unique situation and I realize that this is a very good problem to have, and I',m not here to gloat. I am a dual US/EU citizen living in the US and working for a big regional airline here and due to upgrade to CA next month. The industry here is obviously doing very well with new contracts bumping up payscales to unprecedented levels. However, as has been discussed on the forums over and over again, money isn't everything.

My wife and I have for a while been dreaming of moving to Europe to start a family. All of my family is there while hers is in the US. The dream was to work for Fedex and be based in CGN, but as of yesterday, they are closing the CGN domicile for good. This makes our dream of living in the Europe while working for a US carrier nearly impossible. So this leaves us with the choice of staying in the US or moving to the EU to work for an airline/private carrier. As far as airlines go, based on my research, only AF/KLM come close to pay and quality of life as the major airlines provide in the US. However, I don't speak French or Dutch. As far as private, people seem pretty happy at NetJets Europe. Do they ever hire direct entry CA's, or do you have to start as an FO? Are there any other good options I might be missing?

Don't know if I'm crazy to consider giving up a career in the US for the EU, but we'd prefer to raise kids there...

Thanks all

What about cargo operator in EU ? If you're OK with night operation it is a very good work/life balance and contracts are good.
DHL recruiting in Leipzig and Austria
ASL, CMA CGN in CDG
Could be an option ...

[RARA9]

Originally Posted by Fakiiri

I debated making a new thread but I might as well ask here. I'm in a unique situation and I realize that this is a very good problem to have, and I',m not here to gloat. I am a dual US/EU citizen living in the US and working for a big regional airline here and due to upgrade to CA next month. The industry here is obviously doing very well with new contracts bumping up payscales to unprecedented levels. However, as has been discussed on the forums over and over again, money isn't everything.

My wife and I have for a while been dreaming of moving to Europe to start a family. All of my family is there while hers is in the US. The dream was to work for Fedex and be based in CGN, but as of yesterday, they are closing the CGN domicile for good. This makes our dream of living in the Europe while working for a US carrier nearly impossible. So this leaves us with the choice of staying in the US or moving to the EU to work for an airline/private carrier. As far as airlines go, based on my research, only AF/KLM come close to pay and quality of life as the major airlines provide in the US. However, I don't speak French or Dutch. As far as private, people seem pretty happy at NetJets Europe. Do they ever hire direct entry CA's, or do you have to start as an FO? Are there any other good options I might be missing?

Don't know if I'm crazy to consider giving up a career in the US for the EU, but we'd prefer to raise kids there...

Thanks all

PLEASE don’t do it !!! Europe is going down the drain.

[Sam Ting Wong]

Fakiri, please come. European jobs don't pay very well, but at least you will work a lot and enjoy the high tax.

[zerograv]

Originally Posted by Fakiiri

The dream was to work for Fedex and be based in CGN, but as of yesterday, they are closing the CGN domicile for good.

To the best of my knowledge CGN is mainly UPS, and Fedex is mainly in Paris, but things might be different in current times.
Both of them have 'N' registrations flying within the EU, but have no knowledge of how that works in terms of crewing.

[Flightmech]

FDX have a EUR 757 crew base in CGN even tough the majority of 757 flying is out of CDG. However, just yesterday it was announced that the EUR 757 crew base would be closing within 12-20 months and future intra-Europe 757 flying would be supported from Memphis.

[Lepo]

Fedex just announced pilot hiring will be suspended through 2024.

[AviatorBoy_95]

Originally Posted by Lepo

Fedex just announced pilot hiring will be suspended through 2024.

Hi Lepo
Can you please share the link of the announcement?
thks in advance