hey Gino! how's it going man? heheh I agree, being a contrary sumbitch that I am, and usually posting drunk anyway that it IS fun to disagree somewhat...but I don't even think we're disagreeing. More like not quite understanding where one another is coming from.

I've never advocated that a prospective applicant ask the questions posited here. (Although it's fun to picture the recruiters squirm, and a few have!). The statement "ask them about such and such" is simply a rhetorical tool to describe some of the out-and-out lies being told by said recruiters. That's all. Guess I was too naive and actually believed some of the lies so here I am - but I've found ways to make it work, and to make it pay. But the process isn't easy, and I wouldn't advocate it for those with others depending on them. Not my situation. But it would have been a living hell had it been.

Basically I don't judge anyone who - after considering the facts - decides that Emirates and the Middle East could still work for them. I DO think it's the height of foolishness to just disregard what people who are living and working the life you are about to take on, say about it. If anything, you're right about one thing - I should be BEGGING people to come and work at Emirates to make life easier for the rest of us! Yet I'm not. WHY? And Emirates is doing their own form of begging (dropping requirements, etc). WHY?

In my PPL days perhaps I would have woo hoo, it's getting easier to get my Dream Job! But anyone with an ounce of industry experience and intelligence should maybe be thinking about the "where there's smoke there's fire" thingy and doing a nice, long, HMMMMMMMM...

That's all the "whining" is about, for me. Preventing more nice Canadians from getting sucked in by these assholes, that's all! lol Otherwise, just smile when you're chewin' on that big shit sandwich once you're here and bonded! heheh Because many of us have tried to raise the warning!

Always easy to say from position of strength while another Canadian charter co goes in the toliet...ie Skyservice. Ek is no nirvana but it's sure a pretty good port in a storm....salama

If I seemed insensitive to those unemployed and desperate, I apologize - having been in the exact situation multiple times. Did you even read my post?

But the "port in a storm" analogy is incorrect. It is precisely the desperation of the unemployed they are seeking to exploit. A port implies a safe haven, but it's more like putting yourself in another storm - a greedy, fake one. ("Desert Storm" would fit, but I think it's already been used...?!)

My little moles tell me a grand total of ONE former SSV pilot accepted the job (hmmm EK were sure in YYZ in a heartbeat after that one eh?!), so perhaps not quite so desperate after all...

Where have all the SSV folks gone then?

complex...

I think if we were to chat over a brew instead of a dry forum like this, we'd undoubtedly find we have more in common than not. That said, and my previous comments aside, believe me, I understand what EK posters are trying to warn attendees about. I've walked a mile or two in those shoes. Each of us simply has a different perspective/opinion on YOUR (EK) issues. Nothing wrong with that, is there?

Since this thread is, in part, about EK HR and their "gong show", I can share with other posters, from my experience with EK HR over 8 years ago, it was for me, an absolute joke. It sounds like it hasn't changed much since that time, but whether they accepted me as a pilot or not is of no consequence. I simply don't give a sh*t now. It's ancient history. I've moved on with a very simple approach to any future interview (not that there will be any). Simply stated, it won't just be ME being interviewed and tested, it will be me interviewing and testing THEM as a prospective employer. If I don't like what I hear or see, then I will never work for that company and simply move on, no matter how well or how poorly I do in the interview. My age may give me a slight advantage over younger applicants in that the industry "bullsh*t" doesn't work on me anymore. There are no EK interviews in my future btw.

I have to say, that sending any candidate a welcome aboard letter including a cute little A4 buff coloured binder with a nice red squiggly Logo on the front and their T&Cs inside, followed shortly thereafter by a PFO letter is NOT exactly what you'd expect from a reputable airline or its HR department. Are there no checks and balances to guard against such blatent stupidity? When it happened to me I simply tossed the lot into the bin. Knowing how these outfits like to fancy wrap and blow out of proportion how wonderful the company is, is an advantage. If EK were ever to pull out my ancient application for consideration, I can tell you who'd get the PFO this time.

I have no plans to attend any of their roadshows. So, the best of luck to you and your colleagues. I can't imagine where you'll get the numbers you'll need to eleviate your problems as your management pilots and medical professionals seem disinterested in managing the situation. And that too, from an airline with such a reputation and amazing financial performance while everywhere else in the world, airlines struggle to make ends meet.


Gino Under

I agree with most of what you say complex but the reality is that most would give their right nut and maybe part of the left to be in your shoes. The industry is a disaster and EK, despite all the talk is a very reasonable port in a very big storm. True, I have heard as well that only a few SSV pilots are on their way to EK, many were not interested but surprisingly many did not make it through the interview.

The grass is always greener isn't it? Except in Dubai there isn't even any grass. (Sorry to mix metaphors.)

If it makes you feel any better, I am doing my best to jump back into the very big storm and make a spot for some other eager beaver in this very reasonable port...

After their 32 recent orders of A380's, looks like they still aren't finished.....

http://www.pilotcareercenter.com/NewsItem.aspx?id=4012