Even though some things may have changed for the better temporarily at Ryanair they are still a terrible company in my book and should be avoided if at all possible. That includes their group companies as well of course.

Personally I would say Jet2, Tui and Ryanair in that order.

Things have improved recently at Jet2 and Ryanair but as the post above says Ryanair still have a way to go. Tui seems to be in a state of flux right now aircraft wise maybe with a lack of aircraft and Jet2 seem to be going towards Airbus which might be a shrewd business move. I worry that Jet2 might be biting off more than they can chew sometimes but you have to be aggressive I guess in business, look at Ryanair.

Just my thoughts based on some experience.

Any B737 jobs out there?
 

I just ran into a few old friends that was a bit frustrated with present employer.
Can any of You be so kind and update us on who is taking Senior FOs and Direct Entry Captains in Europe.
Just out of pure curiosity: Is RYR active whatsoever with regards to recruitment?
Does Norwegian need pilots when the Max comes?
Interesting year ahead.

Happy Landings
Cpt B

I understand that Jet2 have suspended B737 recruitment temporarily. I have a disappointed close relative who was very keen to transfer to them, as a good friend who is already there, had very positive things to say about employment and morale at Jet2. Timing was just wrong, which was a shame as the relative had the hours and experience and was looking to relocate anywhere just to be back in the uk.

Can you quantify that?

You make it sound like there were numerous, whereas I believe that number to be very few indeed.

Historically people did not come back to J2 from TUI but those days have ended. Several returns from TUI are in the system for this training season, and I personally know two recent rejoiners: one from BA and one from Virgin, both citing lifestyle, the former felt like just a number at BA, the latter wanted to be home to see his kids grow up. I was pleasently surprised to see a grown up response to their returns from the company, no interview was required just a quick sim check to keep HR happy and within, 6 months they both were on command courses.

I think the fact remains that TUI is still a very good company to be part of and mainly due to its legacy conditions. These conditions have been watered down significantly over the year, but relative to other airlines, they are good. But the pressure is relentless from management to reduce the lifestyle.

What seems to be clear is that Jet2 have had to up their game significantly in recent years in order to attract the pilots they need, commensurate with their expansion plans. Jet2 is now significantly larger than the TUI uk fleet.

I work for TUI and worry that Jet2 offer a superior holiday product to TUI. Once the public wake up to this, I fear for TUI!

Drinking out of a puddle is the alternative faced a thirsty person.
Ryan air is toxic.

I left Jet2 to return to Ryanair. I wouldn't describe Ryanair as toxic more that if you know what you're getting and more importantly not getting and can live with that and enjoy it then you'll get along just fine. Quick commands at both RYR and Jet2 but several years wait at Tui i believe.

The 5/4 roster was the reason for me, I can plan for my kids now and as ones just started school and another starting next year it works a treat for us.

Oh the irony! No long ago, time to command at TUI was around 15 years. To wait less than 5 years is simply extraordinary. And appears now to be taken for granted!

Time and hrs to command!
 

Just out of curiosity: What is the hrs needed and time to command in Jet2 and RYR now.

Last I heard a few months ago, in Ryanair it is 2900 hours plus at least a winter season in the company and two good previous sim sessions.

Indeed Banana Joe, but last upgrade finished linetraining late fall, or rather an OCC that I ran into. He just made the last course last summer I believe.
So the question is rather when is the next upgrade planned.
Lots of FOs with way past 2900hrs now. Mind you some are not flying much this winter, rumor has.
Any updates form the upgrades in RYR and other 737 operators, anyone?

Jet2 is 3000 factored hours to apply, a good recent training history and 6 months post FLC for a new joiner. It is now a positive and rewarding process if you manage to jump through the many hoops they have created.

Similar to RYR however things are starting to slow down depending on your base preference, slots will forever be available in LBA for example but the Boeing que for MAN is currently 35 people long and growing, with the majority currently biding their time in LBA for at least a year. Also all 757 pilots have recently been told they are guaranteed a place in MAN once the fleet goes in 23/24 in their current role.

I know nobody has a crystal ball to predict the future, but how is Brexit going to affect Jet2 in the future? Will they still have their ALC base?
How big is the holding pool for 737 FO's and is there any timeline for next recruitment drives?

The ALC base is long established and having recently invested in quite a bit of airport property at the overseas bases I would imagine their future is quite secure, if anything I would expect more bases to open in a few years once the dust has settled.

As for the 737... everything, and I do mean everything, has turned its focus onto the Airbus program and the mad scramble to get it up and running in the next few weeks. Things will start up again but if I had to guess I would say they are crewed up for this season and it will be Autumn before it starts again.

TUI seems to have the better working conditions