Vietnam Airlines

[Say Again Over]

Last year they allowed 5 to upgrade, they had to pay the airline 24K for training and had to put up a bond for three years. May sound crazy but when you compare the FO pay for the next three years to CA pay, they do end up ahead. The problem we now have is a big shortage of FO's, this creates a problem for guys that want to pay for the upgrade.

I have read in our own flight magazines that we have code sharing with AA but I am still having to pay my own way home, they are trying to get approval to fly to the states but I don't really see how it could be approved anytime soon.

 

[Varig]

So they are not allowing F/Os to upgrade due to the shortage?

 

[[email protected]]

Where do most guys live out there, and how is the cost of living? I was looking at some rentals online and they seem just as expensive as some citys in the states.

 

[Say Again Over]

Although they advertise upgrades available, unless you get it in writing it will not happen, they are very short of FO's and they can't afford to lose anyone now. Cost of living is climbing, a real decent place my be $1000 per month, electricity 100, ADSL 15, house keeper 100. One of the most expensive items is school for expat kids about 1000 per month. Food and entertainment is pretty cheap, CA's should be able to save at least 5K per month.

 

[[email protected]]

Can your family travel in network for free?

 

[Say Again Over]

That is a bit of a problem here, STBY's and ID tickets are hard to come by because they don't have a staff travel program set up, they would rather send out the airplane wit empty seats then give pilot's a discount ticket, 6 ID 50's are given out each year.

 

[filejw]

Do you have to be current? 2500 hrs PIC but 4 years ago....

 

[Say Again Over]

filejw, check your box.

 

[filejw]

Over, Thanks...JW

 

[Varig]

where to stay in SGN

I am thinking of taking a little trip to SGN to check out the scene. Anyone has any suggestions on places to stay(hotels etc)?
Thanks in advance.