Saudi Arabian has historically not been a commuting airline. They have an entire city block or two that is their dedicated compound in Jeddah. That is where all of the expat pilots and other employees live. It is complete with school, shops, etc.

I do not dispute they may be offering a "commuting" contract, but one must understand they do not have the commuting history of Korean or the Japanese carriers. That most likely means there will be a learning curve. I agree with Dom, no way I would do it unless the commute is positive space business class.

Life in Saudi Arabia is very different. I've spent the better part of a year in Jeddah and flying at Saudia as an instructor on the MD-90. Luckily I was doing it on behalf of another company and had my own villa further north on the Red Sea coast at a place called Durrat-Al-Arus. Lived on the 2nd green of the only grass golf course in Jeddah and had a marina not far away. Wasn't bad in small doses of 2-3 months there and 2 months away. Had some students who were expats living in the compound. Most made their own beer and wine. That coupled with the embassy parties made drinking available if one wanted.

The Red Sea is a very good playground. There are private beaches where you can swim and play in the sun, as can women. SCUBA diving is quite good off the beach and offshore. That plus golf, tennis, and other sports can keep one busy while there.

The Saudi pilots are generally competent and reasonable to get along with. When I was there some American expats had been there for 25 years.

That's my two cents.



Typhoonpilot