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[dawsey]

Originally Posted by stevem

The problem with these ME airlines and their rather impressive growth, is the current worldwide shortage of widebody lefthand seat drivers, (Captains) experienced in International operations. Alot of these guys are flying well over 900 hours a year, and you can only stretch limited resources so far.

The problem is surely for other airlines though isn't it Steve. With the amount of resources these ME airlines have,if for instance Emirates need to find another 50 pilots for their fleet of new aircraft,will they not just offer a better salary and poach pilots from other airlines.

Or am I way off, and unions come into this with pay ceilings etc.

Just thinking aloud.

I do see where you are coming from though with your statement about worldwide pilot shortage.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by dawsey

The problem is surely for other airlines though isn't it Steve. With the amount of resources these ME airlines have,if for instance Emirates need to find another 50 pilots for their fleet of new aircraft,will they not just offer a better salary and poach pilots from other airlines.

Or am I way off, and unions come into this with pay ceilings etc.

Just thinking aloud.

I do see where you are coming from though with your statement about worldwide pilot shortage.

The likes of Emirates have really dug themselves a big hole, as most high hour pilots wont go anywhere near the ME due to internal operational problems in all carriers. Probably not really the forum here to discuss.

How long will be before these airlines are forced to lower the entry requirements. For every new air frame that gets delivered, that normally means 6 extra complete sets of crew.

[Paddy]

Yes, exactly Steve, very interesting scenario which I don't think they've fully thought through.

New Dubai airport: due to open 2007.

300 new planes: due for delivery 2007/08/09.

Second Dubai airport: the biggest in the world (Dubai is of course the new Texas where everything is bigger, better, crazier) currently under contruction, due to open 2010.

Trolley dollies and several hundred thousand miscellaneous support staff: well, rents in Dubai have gone through the roof, inflation is estimated to be at about 20% (although there's no official mechanism to calculate it), it's quickly becoming one of the world's most expensive cities, middle management and blue collar workers are presently leaving in droves because they can't afford to live there, but never mind, we'll pay them and house them somehow.

Now, just one last detail, pilots: oh yes, what are we going to do about pilots? Hello? Anybody?

[ub2yoo]

Originally Posted by t0rn

Only used South Travels (Hotels and Beach Resorts Online Hotel Reservation Specialist - (+971) 6 5597881) over there who are based in sharjah but i guess they would deliver tickets for a nominal fee.

Hi T0RN, thanks again for your help. SouthTravel was very helpful and I'm lucky they got it all sorted for me, incl. catching my connection flight back to London. They are highly recommended !

I paid 645 $ for a return Dubai / Bangkok. Not bad on such a short term notice.

Okay, off to Bangkok now ;-)

[t0rn]

Originally Posted by ub2yoo

Hi T0RN, thanks again for your help. SouthTravel was very helpful and I'm lucky they got it all sorted for me, incl. catching my connection flight back to London. They are highly recommended !

I paid 645 $ for a return Dubai / Bangkok. Not bad on such a short term notice.

Okay, off to Bangkok now ;-)

No ploblem, I've always found them very good ...... enjoy

[t0rn]

Originally Posted by dawsey

The problem is surely for other airlines though isn't it Steve. With the amount of resources these ME airlines have,if for instance Emirates need to find another 50 pilots for their fleet of new aircraft,will they not just offer a better salary and poach pilots from other airlines.

Or am I way off, and unions come into this with pay ceilings etc.

Just thinking aloud.

I do see where you are coming from though with your statement about worldwide pilot shortage.

You can actually see the salaries offered on Qatar Airways website for both pilots and cabin crew - they don't seem absurdly high , pretty much what people whould get at home(gross) + tax free + accomodation which is a pretty standard middle east package.