Originally Posted by dinosoar
Applied for First Officer. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks again.
You should be hearing shortly is my guess
Originally Posted by Typhoonpilot
There are mainline Singapore F.O.s leaving to come to Emirates. These are guys with 7 years or so in SQ already. The Cargo contract is worse than mainline. My question to Phil would be, "which do think would be better for a highly experienced F.O. coming from the States ? " Do SQ Cargo still insist on the Bond and Bank Guarantee ? What are the upgrade prospects for an F.O. at Cargo ? How much can an F.O. reasonably expect to make in flight pay ?
The last was the big gripe from the F.O.s who are coming to EK. When they don't fly it's like taking a 50% pay cut.
TP
I wouldn't say it's worse, in addition, the FOs that have left, and I think the pipline is empty now (probably less than 20) were guys who didn't want to wait for upgrade. EK sold them the upgrade in 3 year plan and the first guys are approaching that point, so it's going to be interesting to see what happens then.
My comments about the contract are in this perspective; at SQ the FOs were local pilots, subject to various things by SQ and the government. At EK, they're expats. I had dinner with some of them just before Christmas and there are some who aren't too happy. In particular, the guys who jumped ship during the SARS deal. They'd be in command training at SQ now, and it doesn't look as if it will happen quite as EK said it would.
As far as a "highly experienced FO", I'd say he would be much better off at Cargo. Right now you can expect 5 years to upgrade and I don't see that changing at all. Yes, if you're not typed and current in the 400 they still require a bond. I am not sure about any other financial ties. When I arrived I was current and qualified, so I have nothing to hold me here other than the contract.
As for pay, I wouldn't want to take a guess, I know it's in the SIA Cargo website, but the housing and salary and allowances would be in the vicinity of 14-15,000 S$/mo ($8750-$9300 US/mo). In addition, you get a 13th month pay in Jan (base salary) and profit sharing, which was just over S$22000 last year for FOs (first year salary).
I guess I don't understand the final comment about a 50% paycut. When you don't fly, you don't get your allowances if that's what you mean???