Eva Air
 

I am in Taiwan now and was curious about EVA. I am airlining out on them and was curious if there were any EX pats over there... I also see they are hiring into the A330, MD11, and 777. Any info would be great.

Tjets

They've had expats since they started in the early 90s. Not really one of the best expat jobs around, but it can be used as a stepping stone to better things.


TP

I have a friend who worked there for about 14+ years. Seemed to enjoy it alot. He is now at Virgin America as a Captain, and says he wants to go back out to the far east, but this time to Vietnam.

Any Idea on Pay Rates?
 

Their website says they're hiring on the 747 as well..anyone have info on pay rates?

I've heard the opposite of some here. Moral is way low. Housing is in a shady (not safe) part of town. My understanding is that expats also get paid on a lower payscale cause they are not local. This is all second hand knowledge so take it with a grain of salt.

About a year ago there was a thread on PPRUNE discussing an exodus of pilots from that place, all the comments were about a very low moral working environment, I tried to do a search to post a link here but couldn't find it. The general consensus is that it is not a very good gig

they have different requirements for freight and PAX ops. If hired on freight, can a person make a jump to PAX (ie MD11 to 773)?? Or are they locked in the contract to stay on the plane they were hired on to?

Nankantraz

Lot of EVA info on search... 8 days off min for freighters and expat upgrades are apparently harder since locals get priority.

Here's some comments a friend-of-a-friend shared about a year ago regarding life at EVA (if you're reading this SC, I hope you don't mind me posting it)

1. Are you assigned to a fleet, or do you have a choice between the pax. fleet and freighters? Yes...you are assigned a fleet. It basically depends on where they need manpower at the time you are hired. Though having said that...if you have a preference....they will try and accommodate.
2. Typical schedule, min. number of days off/mo? We get 8 to 9 days off in a block. Can get more days off while you are here. We fly anything from about 50 hours to 90 hours. Just depends on how you get rostered for the month. On average....well..on the MD11 fleet...I am only here about 4 days a month. I work about 14-16 (if that!) days a month...and the rest are off, reserve, etc.
3. Bases, TPE only? yes...main base here. Just works better for logistics....however...as I mentioned...on the MD11 fleet....we are here maybe 5 to 7 days a month only. Anchorage is also available as a base.
4. Appx. upgrade time; locals only or will ex-pats have an equal chance? Merit-based? Right now....upgrade is not even an option! We are talking....about 10 years on average. Might be less....but nothing before 6 to 7 years minimum. Locals do get preference....and they have a weird way of accounting for seniority. I have not got it figured out yet.....
5. Travel benefits (commuting policy), if any? Oh yes.....GREAT! Anywhere on the eva network for you and dependents. Also get ZED and ID tickets. As for commuting....umm....as long as you are where you have to be....though not appreciated. Esp as on the MD we get schedule changes all the time!
6. Overall morale of pilot group? Do you think EVA is managed well (kind of a self-answered question, after all EVA is an airline…)? Morale....well....its mixed. You have guys that have been here years and years...and are making good money. You have some that have not been here too long and are making ok money...yet when they see airlines like Korean paying $9000 a month for FOs....morale suffers. So really...I cant say much. On the whole..I would say its good-ish. As for well managed......well....I think it could be better...a lot better. Having said that.....its what is important to you. The planes here are in excellent conditions. Maintenance is superb! Organisation is fantastic. Safety is among the best. We are looked after well in terms of transport, hotel pick ups and drops, good hotels, laundry services, organised training, etc. The level of professionalism is very very good here! Eva pilots have a good reputaion amongst other airlinies. They make us study hard here and have us doing loads of home study and exams all the time. Also training is very good here.
7. Happy at EVA? Do you consider it as a stepping stone (to CX or equivalent) or could you see yourself retiring there? Yes....very happy here. Its only a stepping stone! If they paid about $2000 to $3000 more .....then I doubt anyone would actually want to leave here. They have loads of benefits and retirement options etc. There are many days off and unrestricted travel. The conditions are good, planes are new....safety record is impeccable. However....money is not enough. And there are many better options out there. However....if you want a stepping stone....in my opinion...there are not many out there that are better then Eva. You will not make too much money here....but you will get experience and training of the highest quality. You get to fly heavy jets, class cockpits and international destinations. Its a great stepping stone.

FF

Great info. Thank You. How does your friend like living in Taipai?