SmartLynx contracts
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 154
From: Having a margarita on the beach
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 4
From: Europe
Do they pay on time? Are the hotels good? Rostering? How much exactly is the salary during winter?
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 11
From: UK
To elaborate, no. Avoid them if you can go anywhere else. Why?
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
Last edited by NG708; 25th November 2024 at 09:29. Reason: Spelling
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: France
To elaborate, no. Avoid them if you can go anywhere else. Why?
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ? Especially knowing that even if you paid your type rating you « have to pay » a 10k€ fee in case you leave this crazy Airline during the 1st year after your Line Check.
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 202
Likes: 69
From: on the edge.
To elaborate, no. Avoid them if you can go anywhere else. Why?
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
1 - The company has refused to pay the annual bonus on time to the pilots - citing an administration error! Many of us were counting on it being paid due to the reduction in pay over the winter. They have refused to make an expeditious payment - after all a bank run is electronic and instant. Instead we are still waiting.
2 - Pay has been forcibly reduced for winter contracts simply because it is winter. We are flying the same schedule but on around 1000-2000 Euro less per month depending on whether you are FO or Capt.
3 - The maintenance condition of the fleet is shocking, especially the A320/A321. As a result the company has lost all European contracts. TUI have ended its contract with Smartlynx in UK and Europe.
4 - Roster in other bases is 6/7-1, operating back to back nightflights inside Turkey. Not often that you get an external flight as Ajet do not want Smartlynx to got AOG and cost it even more in delays.
5- On the basics that affect quality of life and contracts, you have no control over anything. Any problem "downroute" is the responsibility of the charterer, ie Ajet, Indidigo etc. HO in Riga take no interest in solving problems which caused the loss of other work including the A330 fleet.
6- Hotels in Turkey for the Ajet contracts have no crew room or facilities to prep your own food, or meet colleagues. Therefore every meal must be bought and it is expensive.
7 -Company has broken their promise to the A330 pilots to maintain their rating whilst on secondment to the A320 fleet, despite being in writing. Others have been let go despite having a valid A320 rating and EASA licence, while the company keeps flying in pilots from South America.
8- Standards on Airbus are very low, as are levels of English amongst some crew. Lack of basic knowledge of Airbus SOP and operating has meant many of them carrying out proscribed approaches into potentially dangeous airfields.
They have attempted to put some pilots on a 6 week contract to pay tax but lost work because they could not fulfill this. Despite all the tax authorities now looking closely at Smartlynx in Europe, they will insist on more temporary contracts where necessary meaning you move between contractor and employed status. This will not work in Europe any more hence move to india,
All true, avoid this cancer at all cost.
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 11
From: UK
In a meeting with pilots yesterday they announced a new contract which we "have" to sign.
1-If you go Fatigued - 50% pay deduction for each fatigue day
2 -30/15 roster mandatory for all bases outside Europe/Turkey
3- Company seem to have illegally made deductions from the annual bonus. The new contract has a large clause that allows them to deduct for every ground duty, sick day or day you are not flying. They are relying on this to deduct from everyone this year, despite it not being in the contract. Basically as soon as somebody writes a new rule in Riga, they all follow it, whether it is legal, contractual or safe.
Expect a large number not to sign the new contract.
No mention of any summer flying program really for anything other than 737 fleet. Winter is Nov-March inc.
Flying hours can vary by base and project. It is very hard to get over 50-60 hours in Istanbul due to mainly being short internal flights. You will never get near the 70BLH limit for extra pay unless your are an LTC.
"thanks for the info !
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ? Especially knowing that even if you paid your type rating you « have to pay » a 10k€ fee in case you leave this crazy Airline during the 1st year after your Line Check."
No, check your contract and which agency issued it. Aerviva insists on a 4000Euro deduction if you leave within 4 months of an LPC/OPC. Pretty hard to avoid that, but consider they owe r you far more most of the time.
1-If you go Fatigued - 50% pay deduction for each fatigue day
2 -30/15 roster mandatory for all bases outside Europe/Turkey
3- Company seem to have illegally made deductions from the annual bonus. The new contract has a large clause that allows them to deduct for every ground duty, sick day or day you are not flying. They are relying on this to deduct from everyone this year, despite it not being in the contract. Basically as soon as somebody writes a new rule in Riga, they all follow it, whether it is legal, contractual or safe.
Expect a large number not to sign the new contract.
No mention of any summer flying program really for anything other than 737 fleet. Winter is Nov-March inc.
Flying hours can vary by base and project. It is very hard to get over 50-60 hours in Istanbul due to mainly being short internal flights. You will never get near the 70BLH limit for extra pay unless your are an LTC.
"thanks for the info !
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ? Especially knowing that even if you paid your type rating you « have to pay » a 10k€ fee in case you leave this crazy Airline during the 1st year after your Line Check."
No, check your contract and which agency issued it. Aerviva insists on a 4000Euro deduction if you leave within 4 months of an LPC/OPC. Pretty hard to avoid that, but consider they owe r you far more most of the time.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 494
Likes: 4
From: Europe
Thank you for the info.
I did not know that smart-Lynx gives any bonus. On PPJN is says only 8000 euros during winter and 9500 euros during summer. Is this bonus separate from the salary?
I did not know that smart-Lynx gives any bonus. On PPJN is says only 8000 euros during winter and 9500 euros during summer. Is this bonus separate from the salary?
Last edited by Jimmy The Big Greek; 26th November 2024 at 10:34.
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 115
Likes: 11
From: NA
Guys come one, everybody know how this company is. Everybody know Avia Solution Group companies. It was long discussed here. Nothing will change, nothing has change in the past. If this not fit just look for other jobs, there are still plenty of them outside.
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 10
From: Turkey
It seems they haven’t learned their lesson from early 2022, and it’s a wonder they even still exist. Frankly, they’ve hit such rock bottom that they’re hardly worth mentioning.
Unfortunately, they must be addressed because they jeopardize both their own safety and that of others.
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: France
In a meeting with pilots yesterday they announced a new contract which we "have" to sign.
1-If you go Fatigued - 50% pay deduction for each fatigue day
2 -30/15 roster mandatory for all bases outside Europe/Turkey
3- Company seem to have illegally made deductions from the annual bonus. The new contract has a large clause that allows them to deduct for every ground duty, sick day or day you are not flying. They are relying on this to deduct from everyone this year, despite it not being in the contract. Basically as soon as somebody writes a new rule in Riga, they all follow it, whether it is legal, contractual or safe.
Expect a large number not to sign the new contract.
No mention of any summer flying program really for anything other than 737 fleet. Winter is Nov-March inc.
Flying hours can vary by base and project. It is very hard to get over 50-60 hours in Istanbul due to mainly being short internal flights. You will never get near the 70BLH limit for extra pay unless your are an LTC.
"thanks for the info !
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ? Especially knowing that even if you paid your type rating you « have to pay » a 10k€ fee in case you leave this crazy Airline during the 1st year after your Line Check."
No, check your contract and which agency issued it. Aerviva insists on a 4000Euro deduction if you leave within 4 months of an LPC/OPC. Pretty hard to avoid that, but consider they owe r you far more most of the time.
1-If you go Fatigued - 50% pay deduction for each fatigue day
2 -30/15 roster mandatory for all bases outside Europe/Turkey
3- Company seem to have illegally made deductions from the annual bonus. The new contract has a large clause that allows them to deduct for every ground duty, sick day or day you are not flying. They are relying on this to deduct from everyone this year, despite it not being in the contract. Basically as soon as somebody writes a new rule in Riga, they all follow it, whether it is legal, contractual or safe.
Expect a large number not to sign the new contract.
No mention of any summer flying program really for anything other than 737 fleet. Winter is Nov-March inc.
Flying hours can vary by base and project. It is very hard to get over 50-60 hours in Istanbul due to mainly being short internal flights. You will never get near the 70BLH limit for extra pay unless your are an LTC.
"thanks for the info !
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ? Especially knowing that even if you paid your type rating you « have to pay » a 10k€ fee in case you leave this crazy Airline during the 1st year after your Line Check."
No, check your contract and which agency issued it. Aerviva insists on a 4000Euro deduction if you leave within 4 months of an LPC/OPC. Pretty hard to avoid that, but consider they owe r you far more most of the time.
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 202
Likes: 69
From: on the edge.
Actually, you're not right. Things are changing, but for the worse. This company only serves as a way for younger pilots to build some flight hours or for older ones to maintain recency, and that's it. The only question is who can endure such treatment and humiliation.
It seems they haven’t learned their lesson from early 2022, and it’s a wonder they even still exist. Frankly, they’ve hit such rock bottom that they’re hardly worth mentioning.
Unfortunately, they must be addressed because they jeopardize both their own safety and that of others.
It seems they haven’t learned their lesson from early 2022, and it’s a wonder they even still exist. Frankly, they’ve hit such rock bottom that they’re hardly worth mentioning.
Unfortunately, they must be addressed because they jeopardize both their own safety and that of others.
As said many times, stay away from this cancer.
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 338
Likes: 17
From: London
Does anyone know how do you end a contract with them ?
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 10
From: Turkey
When discussing monthly earnings, it’s almost never what is stated in the contract because the company will find any way to reduce the amount. For example, they won’t reimburse your Uber expenses because you didn’t get prior approval from the Travel Department, and you didn’t get approval because no one from that department answers calls or messages.
Here’s another scenario: A first officer, new to the company, is assigned a Standby 3 duty, which lasts until 10:00 AM. However, his flight home departs at 12:00 AM from Istanbul’s New Airport, meaning he must leave Sabiha Gökçen Airport no later than 9:00 AM. In a cunning and highly unethical move, Operations calls him for a flight at, say, 9:30 AM. The first officer explains that he’s on his way home for the 12:00 AM flight, but Operations responds that his standby duty ends at 10:00 AM.
The result? The first officer’s day is not paid, he’s fined an additional €100 for “disrupting operations,” and he loses the first part of his bonus.
And now you ask, "What is the salary?"
The salary is whatever remains after they’ve robbed you.
Here’s another scenario: A first officer, new to the company, is assigned a Standby 3 duty, which lasts until 10:00 AM. However, his flight home departs at 12:00 AM from Istanbul’s New Airport, meaning he must leave Sabiha Gökçen Airport no later than 9:00 AM. In a cunning and highly unethical move, Operations calls him for a flight at, say, 9:30 AM. The first officer explains that he’s on his way home for the 12:00 AM flight, but Operations responds that his standby duty ends at 10:00 AM.
The result? The first officer’s day is not paid, he’s fined an additional €100 for “disrupting operations,” and he loses the first part of his bonus.
And now you ask, "What is the salary?"
The salary is whatever remains after they’ve robbed you.
Last edited by Isao737; 27th November 2024 at 17:29.
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 26
Likes: 10
From: Turkey
The latest scheme involves reducing the loyalty bonus. For example, if you complete your line training in June and start flying in July, you’ll receive your full bonus (if you manage to stay) until the end of October.
However, if you’re a long-term employee (let's say more than a year) and you’ve been just a while on sick leave, taken special leave days due to a spouse’s or parent’s illness, or had to deal with a death in the family, a (huge) portion of your bonus will be deducted.
During these days off, you were not paid at all, yet the company will still dig into your pocket to punish you for daring to take such time off.
I don’t need to explain how inhumane, unethical, and malicious this is, especially when the management constantly preaches about their concern for your "well-being."
Now, again, ask "How much is the bonus paid?".
When it comes to safety, it is truly remarkable how loyal pilots are, first and foremost, to their profession. Many colleagues go above and beyond to ensure the job gets done. However, these efforts go entirely unappreciated. Fatigue is the company's biggest issue. There are pilots who enjoy preferential treatment, flying only during the day, while others are assigned exclusively to night shifts. The submission of fatigue reports is closely monitored, and with the new contract, the company has introduced an internal control system to scrutinize each individual fatigue case. This measure, however, is not aimed at improving rostering but rather serves as an additional pressure on pilots.
However, if you’re a long-term employee (let's say more than a year) and you’ve been just a while on sick leave, taken special leave days due to a spouse’s or parent’s illness, or had to deal with a death in the family, a (huge) portion of your bonus will be deducted.
During these days off, you were not paid at all, yet the company will still dig into your pocket to punish you for daring to take such time off.
I don’t need to explain how inhumane, unethical, and malicious this is, especially when the management constantly preaches about their concern for your "well-being."
Now, again, ask "How much is the bonus paid?".
When it comes to safety, it is truly remarkable how loyal pilots are, first and foremost, to their profession. Many colleagues go above and beyond to ensure the job gets done. However, these efforts go entirely unappreciated. Fatigue is the company's biggest issue. There are pilots who enjoy preferential treatment, flying only during the day, while others are assigned exclusively to night shifts. The submission of fatigue reports is closely monitored, and with the new contract, the company has introduced an internal control system to scrutinize each individual fatigue case. This measure, however, is not aimed at improving rostering but rather serves as an additional pressure on pilots.
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 35
Likes: 8
From: Backdoor
Just wanted to ask if it's true that Smart-Lynx is transporting radioactive material as cargo for some flights in India. I noticed also on their application form that they are asking about pilots yearly accumulated radiation levels.
Anyway I recently passed their assessment but I don't think I will join due to the health risks.. Most likely they will put me to fly in either Nigeria which is a very high risk zone for Malaria or I will fly in India with radio active material. No thanks.
Anyway I recently passed their assessment but I don't think I will join due to the health risks.. Most likely they will put me to fly in either Nigeria which is a very high risk zone for Malaria or I will fly in India with radio active material. No thanks.
Last edited by ROCCO SIFFREDI; 3rd December 2024 at 12:21.