Yup, lost count of the amount of times we had to take the bags we had loaded off, as Storm tried - and failed - to coax the knackers back to life. Dreadful, ex-Wizz, more chewing gum than actual carpet on the floor. They had the cheek to ask us to "deep clean them" before they were returned. They were cleaner with us after a week than they probably were for the preceding 5 years.

I felt very sorry for the Storm Aviation lads I spoke within the smoking areas, none would - or could - guarantee that any particular frame was likely leave the tarmac the next day. So the usual palaver would play out - send bags to an aircraft, send a ramp team, load it, often wait for a crew to turn up, often be advised it's declared "gone tech", remove passengers, remove bags, tow it to the 230 stands waiting for repair.

The hours, and staff, lost by this charade caused a landslide of other delayed/cancelled easyJet flights from LGW in 2022.

'Twas a pretty horrible time. I would, however, point out that when I was advised that we would have SLX, I said to the easyJet bloke "Oh my" although I used far coarser language.

Probably you forgot to mention that Storm is owned by the same group as SLX and Avion, so they must be the same bad?

I checked their site and ask 500 hours on A320.
Does anyone know if they offer ( them or someone who cooperates with them) any package with these hours?
I currently fly the ATR and I want to move to jets
Thanks in advance

A320 autumn 2024
 

Anyone here who is starting autumn course on a320 this year? Let’s connect and get to know each other before course starts

Starting TR course you mean? Supposed to already have 500 hours on type. Please share the information of how joining without the type

Yes joining TR course autumn group.

After TR
 

I’ve recently been in touch with a guy who has done his TR with Smartlynx one year ago (December 2022). He still hasn’t flown anything since the base training. The airline doesn’t have capacity to start students on the line training. So it’s a huge number of students waiting in line to get started with the line training.
I am about to start my TR in October. But after talking to the guy waiting, I’m not sure if it’s smart to invest so much money in a company where you are guaranteed job, but it might take years to get that job. 36000€ is a lot to gamble.
And the paid is pretty bad during the line training I’ve heard, which I had accepted it. But waiting one year to start flying? That’s just unacceptable.
Is anyone in that situation? Could someone explain a bit more on it?

Anyone knows if Smartlynx has started recruitment again. How is it to work with them as a A320 Captain. What bases can I expect?

smartlynx is the cancer of aviation.

Do you think you can elaborate a little bit more. Why did you have a bad experience there.

Please tell me an airline that is good. All airlines now after the COVID have found an excuse to reduce their terms and conditions and I am afraid that the current geopolitical situation will make it even worse for us. When I was an F.O 10 years ago, I was making more money then I do now as a captain and on top of that prices have tripled (inflation).

absolutely correct, the salaries didn’t increase at all the last 15 years.
Too many pilots, job is too easy nowadays. Every one can become a pilot.

How is it to work for Smartlynx at the moment?

Hi, I was selected for A320 with Smartlynx, any important information that you can share?

SmartLynx always finds people despite the conditions. Why?
Because the "Take home" pay is on par with BA or Lufthansa pilots. (That's the real attraction and don't kid yourselves otherwise!)

Apparently, this winter, they go back to winter fee.

Until the tax man comes knocking, or people realize you have to pay taxes

That's the thing... He never comes knocking in Spain, Italy and Greece :ok:

How much exactly is the winter pay?

As far as I was told, summer 310€ daily fee and winter 260€ daily fee. Stand to be corrected, of course, as this is not first hand info.
Pilots still have to take up to 60 days unpaid leave in the winter?

You are misinformed. In Italy they come, hard, and with no lube

Many financial institutions across Europe are aware of how the contracts of Avia Solution Group airlines (such as Smartlynx, Avion Express, Klasjet) operate via Dubai-based AerViva or other companies. Some institutions are specifically monitoring the tax (non)payment of their pilots and cabin crews. Sooner or later, this will have consequences. Avoiding mandatory tax payments is short-sighted; unfortunately, those working for these types of airlines are often not the sharpest knives in the drawer.