EMIRATE FO's & $$
03-25-2018, 03:31 PM
#131
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2016
Position: Gear Biatch
Posts: 266
Originally Posted by NYC Pilot
Do it. It's really a chance of a lifetime. Look into Qatar also, they pay a lot more than Emirates and a better company. If you like it there and do well, the possibilities are endless. Senior Captains in Qatar make over $350k tax free with 15 days off plus 10% 401k type pension with no matching required.
03-25-2018, 04:55 PM
#132
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2016
Position: A350 CA
Posts: 295
Originally Posted by Captainbfv
350K Tax free? I call BS in that one. US regs regarding tax only allow you up to 105K tax free if I'm not mistaken. UNLESS you never come to the states.
03-25-2018, 04:59 PM
#133
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2016
Position: Gear Biatch
Posts: 266
Originally Posted by NYC Pilot
Tax free as far as the employing country. As a U.S Citizen you are liable to expat laws and taxes from the U.S. So yes, an American would pay taxes beyond the $110k or so earned.
Then it tax free. Secondly... as someone who actually lived and worked in UAE before whatever money you save on “taxes” you **** away on rent, overpriced food, and fees for everything outside of taking a **** in UAE.
Emirates find a way to make up for the “no tax life” so they can give their locals the perks for being a local
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04-26-2018, 08:08 PM
#134
New Hire
Joined APC: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Hello guys, I would like to thank everyone for the advice given here about EK. I understand the situation at EK and Dubai itself is not the best and probably won't improve.. However, the ME still represent an attractive opportunity for South American pilots both professional and economically with the addition of living in a safe country. In this case, do you recommend Flydubai instead of Emirates?
I'm considering this because it might be a better option in the short term. After 5 years I could leave with a command on a popular type and hopefully be a in a better position to settle elsewhere with some savings and a happy family being at home almost every night (or day). On the downside, I will be missing A LOT the routes and the wide body route network. I always dreamed about joining something like EK and make a career there. But sadly, I think those dream jobs only exist at majors in US or EU these days.
Does Flydubai sound like a good alternative to EK? Am I missing something? Is there a better option in the region? I can't apply to Qatar since I'm not Boeing or Airbus typed. Even if I could, I think Dubai is better with family. Etihad appears to be falling apart. I also considered other airlines in Asia but I think lifestyle and benefits are just better at the ME without commuting (personal preference).
For comparison, an FO at Flydubai is flying around 65-75 hrs ALMOST the same salary and benefits as EK, no jetlag, 1 or 2 layovers per month (this might increase to 4) average days off is 11 (might increase to 12 days off + rest days) of course the first 2 years it will be around 70 % night flying as well as EK but then seniority will help build a better roster. It seems reasonable considering the paycheck for a 737, definitely a better position for me, but I'm just concerned about not enjoying the job as much as I would in something like EK or QR talking about routes and nice layovers.
Please let me know what you guys think. Thank you.
I'm considering this because it might be a better option in the short term. After 5 years I could leave with a command on a popular type and hopefully be a in a better position to settle elsewhere with some savings and a happy family being at home almost every night (or day). On the downside, I will be missing A LOT the routes and the wide body route network. I always dreamed about joining something like EK and make a career there. But sadly, I think those dream jobs only exist at majors in US or EU these days.
Does Flydubai sound like a good alternative to EK? Am I missing something? Is there a better option in the region? I can't apply to Qatar since I'm not Boeing or Airbus typed. Even if I could, I think Dubai is better with family. Etihad appears to be falling apart. I also considered other airlines in Asia but I think lifestyle and benefits are just better at the ME without commuting (personal preference).
For comparison, an FO at Flydubai is flying around 65-75 hrs ALMOST the same salary and benefits as EK, no jetlag, 1 or 2 layovers per month (this might increase to 4) average days off is 11 (might increase to 12 days off + rest days) of course the first 2 years it will be around 70 % night flying as well as EK but then seniority will help build a better roster. It seems reasonable considering the paycheck for a 737, definitely a better position for me, but I'm just concerned about not enjoying the job as much as I would in something like EK or QR talking about routes and nice layovers.
Please let me know what you guys think. Thank you.
05-02-2018, 03:08 AM
#135
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,785
Emirates Could Store 45 Planes In Coming Week
https://onemileatatime.boardingarea....xt-few-months/
Emirates Could Store 45 Planes In Coming Weeks Due To Pilot Shortage
APRIL 30, 2018
A couple of weeks ago, James wrote about how Emirates is reducing some flights due to a pilot shortage. In the past we’ve seen Emirates sometimes store planes briefly due to decreased seasonal demand. While parking planes isn’t cheap, it’s certainly more expensive to fly them at a significant loss, so it’s the best option in those cases.
Emirates’ unprecedented pilot shortage
Emirates is currently dealing with an issue in unprecedented numbers. Specifically, Emirates pilots are quitting to go work elsewhere. The airline has always had some level of turnover, but they’ve never had anything to this degree.
Emirates’ president said that the airline is “a tad short on pilots,” which is perhaps the understatement of the year.
How bad is Emirates’ pilot shortage? Media reports suggest that Emirates will be parking 46 planes over the coming months:
Emirates will park 11 Boeing 777s and 1 Airbus A380 this month
Emirates will park 14 Boeing 777s and six Airbus A380s in May
Emirates will park 11 Boeing 777s and three Airbus A380s in June
Altogether that represents 36 Boeing 777s and 10 Airbus A380s, which is about 18% of Emirates’ fleet (specifically 25% of their 777 fleet and about 10% of their A380 fleet).
While it’s possible that Emirates may have otherwise stored a few of these planes, the numbers in which they’re storing these planes is unprecedented. Emirates is flying these planes to Dubai World Central Airport (since there’s no room at Dubai International), so by June that airport should look like an Emirates parking lot.
Some suggest that a fairly new widebody costs roughly a million dollars per month between leasing and financing costs, as well as maintenance contracts and insurance. If that’s the case, storing 46 planes would be a loss of $46 million per month, or over $500 million per year (though presumably they wouldn’t be parked for that long).
Why are Emirates pilots leaving?
In the past, the contracts that Emirates offered were extremely competitive:
The salary is mostly tax free
Emirates covers housing and lots of other expenses for pilots
The pay rates themselves are quite good
You get to fly some cool planes as well; if I were a pilot I’d much rather fly an A380 or 777 than a regional jet
Of course there are downsides as well. Emirates pilots work a lot of hours, and work some crazy hours (no matter how hard you try to adjust, I imagine working a 3AM flight never gets easy). You also have to live in Dubai with no option to commute — personally that’s something I wouldn’t mind, though I realize other people would far prefer a commuter contract, where they work two weeks on and then two weeks off, or something.
So why are pilots suddenly leaving? Because there’s now a worldwide pilot shortage. 10 years ago pilots couldn’t find jobs at major carriers and pay had been cut significantly. Now pilot pay is as good as it has ever been, and Emirates hasn’t kept up. So either pilots are moving back home to find jobs there that pay comparably, or pilots are moving to other countries where airlines are offering incredible contracts. For example, Chinese airlines are known for their extremely lucrative contracts, with many pilots at Chinese airlines apparently earning $300,000+ per year, with the ability to commute.
Bottom line
We’ve seen Emirates park some planes before, but have never seen them park 45+ planes at a time, as far as I know. This isn’t just an adjustment for seasonal demand, but clearly reflects their severe pilot shortage.
While I know Emirates has some pilots in training right now, it sure doesn’t sound to me like this shortage will figure itself out in the next few months, because pilots are still leaving in droves. While Emirates pilots obviously aren’t unionized, it sounds to me like there might need to be some negotiating when it comes to their contracts. What was once an industry leading benefits package is no longer the case, and things are only getting worse.
I also don’t want to say that we should be worried as passengers, but ideally you want to fly with an airline that has experienced pilots with lots of hours. Emirates simply isn’t able to maintain that type of talent pool with what they’re offering right now.
Emirates’ president makes it sound like this problem will be solved in the coming months, though it doesn’t look like that’s happening. This will be an interesting situation to follow as we move into the summer.
Emirates Could Store 45 Planes In Coming Weeks Due To Pilot Shortage
APRIL 30, 2018
A couple of weeks ago, James wrote about how Emirates is reducing some flights due to a pilot shortage. In the past we’ve seen Emirates sometimes store planes briefly due to decreased seasonal demand. While parking planes isn’t cheap, it’s certainly more expensive to fly them at a significant loss, so it’s the best option in those cases.
Emirates’ unprecedented pilot shortage
Emirates is currently dealing with an issue in unprecedented numbers. Specifically, Emirates pilots are quitting to go work elsewhere. The airline has always had some level of turnover, but they’ve never had anything to this degree.
Emirates’ president said that the airline is “a tad short on pilots,” which is perhaps the understatement of the year.
How bad is Emirates’ pilot shortage? Media reports suggest that Emirates will be parking 46 planes over the coming months:
Emirates will park 11 Boeing 777s and 1 Airbus A380 this month
Emirates will park 14 Boeing 777s and six Airbus A380s in May
Emirates will park 11 Boeing 777s and three Airbus A380s in June
Altogether that represents 36 Boeing 777s and 10 Airbus A380s, which is about 18% of Emirates’ fleet (specifically 25% of their 777 fleet and about 10% of their A380 fleet).
While it’s possible that Emirates may have otherwise stored a few of these planes, the numbers in which they’re storing these planes is unprecedented. Emirates is flying these planes to Dubai World Central Airport (since there’s no room at Dubai International), so by June that airport should look like an Emirates parking lot.
Some suggest that a fairly new widebody costs roughly a million dollars per month between leasing and financing costs, as well as maintenance contracts and insurance. If that’s the case, storing 46 planes would be a loss of $46 million per month, or over $500 million per year (though presumably they wouldn’t be parked for that long).
Why are Emirates pilots leaving?
In the past, the contracts that Emirates offered were extremely competitive:
The salary is mostly tax free
Emirates covers housing and lots of other expenses for pilots
The pay rates themselves are quite good
You get to fly some cool planes as well; if I were a pilot I’d much rather fly an A380 or 777 than a regional jet
Of course there are downsides as well. Emirates pilots work a lot of hours, and work some crazy hours (no matter how hard you try to adjust, I imagine working a 3AM flight never gets easy). You also have to live in Dubai with no option to commute — personally that’s something I wouldn’t mind, though I realize other people would far prefer a commuter contract, where they work two weeks on and then two weeks off, or something.
So why are pilots suddenly leaving? Because there’s now a worldwide pilot shortage. 10 years ago pilots couldn’t find jobs at major carriers and pay had been cut significantly. Now pilot pay is as good as it has ever been, and Emirates hasn’t kept up. So either pilots are moving back home to find jobs there that pay comparably, or pilots are moving to other countries where airlines are offering incredible contracts. For example, Chinese airlines are known for their extremely lucrative contracts, with many pilots at Chinese airlines apparently earning $300,000+ per year, with the ability to commute.
Bottom line
We’ve seen Emirates park some planes before, but have never seen them park 45+ planes at a time, as far as I know. This isn’t just an adjustment for seasonal demand, but clearly reflects their severe pilot shortage.
While I know Emirates has some pilots in training right now, it sure doesn’t sound to me like this shortage will figure itself out in the next few months, because pilots are still leaving in droves. While Emirates pilots obviously aren’t unionized, it sounds to me like there might need to be some negotiating when it comes to their contracts. What was once an industry leading benefits package is no longer the case, and things are only getting worse.
I also don’t want to say that we should be worried as passengers, but ideally you want to fly with an airline that has experienced pilots with lots of hours. Emirates simply isn’t able to maintain that type of talent pool with what they’re offering right now.
Emirates’ president makes it sound like this problem will be solved in the coming months, though it doesn’t look like that’s happening. This will be an interesting situation to follow as we move into the summer.
05-03-2018, 11:45 AM
#138
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2016
Position: FO
Posts: 793
Originally Posted by threeighteen
Yes... the climate is horrendous and the government is just as bad.
Are you aware of the debt they have?
Singapore and Hong Kong have limited land available for purchase, which causes it to be worth more. There's no room for expansion. Dubai has an entire desert to expand into, there's not going to be any rise in property prices there due to a land shortage.
Singapore and Hong Kong also have more tolerable governments (in most aspects), and much better climates.
That's why I said, there's going to be a ton of connection traffic, but not much O/D traffic. The only thing that is going to make them money is travel and trade, but when they are eventually bypassed by direct flights on faster or more fuel efficient aircraft, what then? Or what happens when the world economy goes down the tank once China stops growing? DXB is basing their entire economy on volatility, and it will have some serious consequences.
I think LAS is a craphole, but everyone I've talked to abroad wants to go...
It figures in, because LAS has a tourism economy, like DXB is trying to build, but likely won't succeed with. The only reason why I'd want to go to Dubai is to save some money on a ticket by connecting there or something...
Respectfully, I disagree. And you're still missing the point:
1. Dubai property values are on their way down, which makes this a bad time to buy period.
2. Dubai does not have a land shortage to cause prices to go back up any time soon.
3. Dubai doesn't have much potential for growth beyond their trade/travel industry.
Those three reasons alone indicate that property value there won't recover for a long long time.
It's basic economics, there's tons of supply, with not much demand or foreseeable demand.
Are you aware of the debt they have?
Singapore and Hong Kong have limited land available for purchase, which causes it to be worth more. There's no room for expansion. Dubai has an entire desert to expand into, there's not going to be any rise in property prices there due to a land shortage.
Singapore and Hong Kong also have more tolerable governments (in most aspects), and much better climates.
That's why I said, there's going to be a ton of connection traffic, but not much O/D traffic. The only thing that is going to make them money is travel and trade, but when they are eventually bypassed by direct flights on faster or more fuel efficient aircraft, what then? Or what happens when the world economy goes down the tank once China stops growing? DXB is basing their entire economy on volatility, and it will have some serious consequences.
I think LAS is a craphole, but everyone I've talked to abroad wants to go...
It figures in, because LAS has a tourism economy, like DXB is trying to build, but likely won't succeed with. The only reason why I'd want to go to Dubai is to save some money on a ticket by connecting there or something...
Respectfully, I disagree. And you're still missing the point:
1. Dubai property values are on their way down, which makes this a bad time to buy period.
2. Dubai does not have a land shortage to cause prices to go back up any time soon.
3. Dubai doesn't have much potential for growth beyond their trade/travel industry.
Those three reasons alone indicate that property value there won't recover for a long long time.
It's basic economics, there's tons of supply, with not much demand or foreseeable demand.
Can’t help but readback at idiotic posts....
HOW WRONG WAS THIS hater?
05-03-2018, 01:29 PM
#139
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2006
Position: guppy CA
Posts: 5,160
Emirates parking these planes is not due to a pilot shortage. If Emirates wanted to fly these planes, they'd simply raise pilot wages enough to get qualified pilots.
My guess is that Emirates is losing money on a lot of their flights and using a pilot shortage as an excuse to park some planes.
Qatar Airways has the same problem with excess aircraft - they're willing to loan some planes to IAG. https://thepointsguy.com/news/qatar-...bal-expansion/
The same goes for Etihad; excess capacity: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominic.../#1a75473a69cd
I suspect that quite a bit of the ME3's current financial problems are due to new long range aircraft that don't need fuel stops between Europe and Asia.
In addition, many of the Middle Eastern countries are being forced to cut back on government spending due to low oil prices relative to where they were a few years ago. And while oil prices are currently rising, oil fracking is putting a ceiling on how high oil prices can go. Many fracking companies have been able to get their breakeven costs to below $30/barrel.
For those of us at US legacies, while the ME3 threat is subsiding, we're now seeing a rise in transatlantic LCCs that are going to negatively impact legacy airlines. Norwegian is just one threat; there are plenty of other LCCs that are popping up to drive down ticket prices. WoW Air is driving down yields, but Primera Air, Jet2, and other LCCs are starting to enter the fray.
My guess is that Emirates is losing money on a lot of their flights and using a pilot shortage as an excuse to park some planes.
Qatar Airways has the same problem with excess aircraft - they're willing to loan some planes to IAG. https://thepointsguy.com/news/qatar-...bal-expansion/
The same goes for Etihad; excess capacity: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dominic.../#1a75473a69cd
I suspect that quite a bit of the ME3's current financial problems are due to new long range aircraft that don't need fuel stops between Europe and Asia.
In addition, many of the Middle Eastern countries are being forced to cut back on government spending due to low oil prices relative to where they were a few years ago. And while oil prices are currently rising, oil fracking is putting a ceiling on how high oil prices can go. Many fracking companies have been able to get their breakeven costs to below $30/barrel.
For those of us at US legacies, while the ME3 threat is subsiding, we're now seeing a rise in transatlantic LCCs that are going to negatively impact legacy airlines. Norwegian is just one threat; there are plenty of other LCCs that are popping up to drive down ticket prices. WoW Air is driving down yields, but Primera Air, Jet2, and other LCCs are starting to enter the fray.
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