Thomson, Monarch, Thomas Cook Could it work?
 

Good afternoon all,

After 10 years in corporate and private aviation, home life is starting to demand I have a look at joining an airline. I live in the Cotswolds, so BA is too far a drive for a regular short haul rotation.

I have 5000 hours most of that on various jets, but none of the usual airline types. I'm Captain and appreciate I'll have to come in as FO, so what I am looking for here is a look into how much an FO at Thomson, Monarch and Thomas Cook take home monthly all inclusive, BHX or BRS bases. The idea is basically will it work financially with the mortgage and so on, should I be lucky and get in with one of those 3. I could potentially qualify for a straight in command out of Bristol with BMI Regional, anyone knowing anything about the likelihood of that is welcome to chip in as well.

Also with 5000 hours and 3000 of those PIC on jet, will I be quicker to command or is that only ever based on time on type and in company?

You don't have to broadcast it all on here if that makes you uncomfortable, PM will be just fine. Any other information you may have regarding the above companies, living with the job, recruitment process, next intake and so on will be greatly appreciated.

Happily employed and not in a rush, but I feel it's the end of the business jet life so just getting started here.

All the best

Mike

You need to understand a few things. I can't speak for Thomson or Monarch, but taking Thomas Cook: yes you might get a job. But you couldn't be sure you'd get BHX or BRS as a base. That would depend on the company's requirements. As for hours and command, there are highly competent first officers at TCX with heading for twice your hours.

I would suggest deepknight is right. Quick route to command is not the main reason people are happy at the three you mention. MON also has many considerably more experienced FOs and all on type.

You are right about BA, no good for your commute why not consider though? I doubt bmi regional in BRS would be any better either. Only you will know if the salary as an FO in these companies will work for you. All of the companies that you mention operate on seniority so your hours wont amount to anything, join the que. You might not be in a rush but this is a very cyclical business, I suggest if you need a more solid foundation in life then get applying for the jobs on aircraft with a bankable type rating now whilst times are good :ok:

BA are recruiting for long haul on all types, no rating required. Is an hour down the m40 once a week really that hard??

The TOM salaries are all over the Thomson joiners thread, I'd guess at about 3-3.5k start but the TCs are generally very good. I don't think BRS or BHX would be difficult to get into, and I believe they have taken non rated this year. Your hours though won't make any difference when it comes to command, expect 10+ years in the right seat.

TCX salary SFO
 

Guys any idea of a 321 SFO take home pay for Thomas cook ??

You will be doing well to get into the right hand seat with any of these with no commercial,airline experience or a type rating on their type let alone start thinking about command. I know for a fact that guys at Monarch just about to get left hand seat in the main will have over 5000 hours'on type'. I also know as has been stated that the guys doing there command sims as we speak at TC have been with the company for around 15 years. If command is a big thing for,you then go get a 737 type and join Ryanair.

Good luck

Take home pay for TCX SFO averages around £4.4k over summer, and about £3.8 over winter. Highest month £5.5k, lowest month about £3.4k. On target for annual gross figure of £70k.