So they spent all of the money they made when they were gouging the rest of the planet with 150 dollar a barrel oil?

 

Definitely disappointing, especially the way it was announced. Reduces quality of life considerably for many pilots. I know four who semi-commute ( yes, you included ) and I'm sure their ****ed.

There is some rumor that the EVP wanted furloughs and this was the SVP's solution to prevent that from happening. Also that this new rule might only be temporary until the situation with crewing numbers improves. I wouldn't hold my breath on that second part though.


TP

 

I would not put much faith in the "furloughs" crap nor the "temporary" aspect of this policy. I requested leave without pay last month (in an attempt to help out the company in this terrible time of stress) which was quickly and firmly declined by the company. I would have expected in times of stress such as this the company would jump at the opportunity to allow me to help them save money.

I would suggest this is being used as a smoke screen by "fleet" to push ahead further declines to our T & C's.

For those who are new to Emirates, it is just another lesson in what you can expect going forward. There is nothing new here; for those of us who have been here for years this is just another case of "been there/done that". Get used to it as it will never change as long as you are at EK.

 

And to add to Dune's comments: there are a lot of guys(new) jumping up and down, yelling and screaming ,claiming to quit over various things. I feel sorry for them but be aware the company could care less if you left.There is no union to back you up and the company gets what the company wants. If you cant get your head around that you wont last here. Dont promise things to youe wife and kids that might not happen.With the new 12 days off max(5in a row), the few that commute( 5-6 days off at home once a month) will find it impossible and thats what the company wants.The job is good if you dont let Dubai drag you down.

Hiring should start in a few months but will only be 150 up until Mar 2010, that means 75 upgrades,total pilots to@ 2400, upgrades will start to push 7 years. On a high note airplanes still coming this year 17-19 (mar2010) and the same or more 2010/11. Direct FO 380 soon dont know what the upgrade policy will be,rumur is upgrade back on the 333 standby on that

 

I've never met a single pilot here that commutes. What is the percentage?

This 12 days off and 5 in a row absolutely sucks. I liked being able to use my Top and Second bid group to get 2-3 weeks off in a row. This is going to be very demoralizing and p!ss a lot of guys off. What did the pilot group do to deserve this? What else do they plan to take away from us?

 

Wow. I don't feel so bad turning down EK a few months ago for an A330 position now. My fear was that without hard work rules and zero pilot representation (i.e. union), that management could walk all over the pilot group. I'm sure there will still be many young and eager recruits that suffer from "heavy-itis" to fill the upcoming vacancies but I really hope EK can one day match its world-class service with a world-class pilot contract. Best of luck to you all.

 

That number of 148 for the next fiscal year has already been reduced to around 100. There was supposed to be 92 upgrades, 52 on the Airbus and 40 on the Boeing. Not sure what the state of play with those numbers is, but I would expect them to be lower as well.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if some aircraft get retired. I'm sure they'd love to get rid of the entire A340-500 fleet.

Grabbing market share in tough times may be the idea, but I doubt they'll do it at the expense of profit. Not considering the current situation with Dubai's finances.


I expect it will be money.



Typhoonpilot

 

Two new things...

Latest Ops update discussed interviewing new pilots for the "pool" to replenish those that no longer want to come to Dubai or haven't flown in the last 12 months. Classes to begin later when HR and Fleet figure out when they need the pilots.

And we just received word that our overtime "threshold" has increased...in a big way. Basically, with the new days off plan they've effectively increased our monthly flying without having to pay us the overtime credit that the increase would have triggered. So more flying for the same pay equals less new bodies.

Pretty bad month for morale over here

 

Ouch. Looking less attractive all the time. Sorry to hear that guys. Looks like managment all over the world likes to screw their pilots.

 

Try Etihad, Qatar or Gulf Air. They have not touched their pilots' contracts. Air Arabia is apparently giving pay rises.