A319 or 737-700 at Easy if you had the choice?

[LVL CHG]

Hypothetically, if you were a newhire FO and you were given the choice between the 700 and the A319 (let's say you had a good selection of bases), which would you select and why?

This is NOT necessarily meant to be a Boeing vs. Airbus debate, but rather a look at how the aircraft are used at Easy (routes, schedules and bases) in combination with your personal preference.

Sure, it's possible that a newhire would not have this choice at the moment, but it would be nice to think about if you did have the choice...

[2FLYEU]

I'rather be Based in LGW flying 700's (Dunno if it's possible still)

Definetely....73's

What about you?

2fly.

[Engine overtemp]

A319, it will make you more attractive to Virgin when you are hacked off with multi-sector days and 100 hour months!
:ok:

[gurnzee]

as a new joiner you'll get asked your top 3 base preferences, with no guarantee of any of them.
If you get a mainland europe base it'll be 319. The only UK 319 bases right now are LGW and, from January, STN. Sooner or later though other bases will cross over, it's just a matter of time.
My advice is to look at your longer term plans.
Good luck
g

[LVL CHG]

I would feel lucky to fly either aircraft for Easyjet. However, knowing that the A319s might completely replace the 737NGs one day in the fleet, I would probably like to get time in the 737NG now and then eventually transition over to the Airbus. Of course, base preference might put me directly into an Airbus.

I have always liked the 737NG and I would love to get some time in one - I have heard great things about the aircraft.

Anyone else have an opinion? Which would you choose if you actually had the choice and why?

[Wizofoz]

LVL CHG

Your thinking is about right in that if you go to a 737 base, chances are it will eventually convert the the Bus. I say eventually as the -700s will be around for a while yet (I believe the leases are until '09).

My general take is that people at the outlying bases are generally happier with their lot than London based pilots, particularly Luton. I'm at LPL, and disruption is minimal, with a fair number of standbys and contactables to break up the 6 on 3 off.

The NG is a great aircraft, but bear in mind you'd also be flying the -300. Nothing wrong with the classic, some of them are just getting a little toothy and it doesn't perform like the -700, but the 'bus is the way things are going.

[The Greaser]

With the gradual reduction in 737 fleet size over the next few months and years I'm not even sure there will be any new hires going onto the Boeing, almost certain to be Airbus and hence based at LGW, STN, DTM, SXF, ORY

[waffler]

Both aircraft are good but I would pick the airbus for the fact that it has a more comfortable and spacious cockpit that is good for your back and general health after long days:ok:

[LVL CHG]

Is there a seat-lock policy at Easy after converting to Airbus? Could someone conceivably switch from, say, 737-300 to Airbus and then decide that the side-stick is not for him and switch back to the 737NG later? Some pilots seem adament to stay in the Boeings and might not want to change until the very end (despite the turning tide to Airbus)... Anyone flown both at Easy - the NG and the Airbus? Which do you prefer and why? I hear the side-stick is easy to adapt to...

If you could, would you want to switch back to the Boeings?

[Doug the Head]

@ LVL CHG

I assume that you are talking about a type/fleet-lock policy instead of a seat-lock policy. All new pilots in EZY are automatically fleet frozen for 3 years.

This also applies for TRSS, the argument being that EZY does not want to pay for another type within 3 years, despite the fact that as TRSS candidate you paid for the type to begin with when you joined EZY! Some people have a lot of guts and BALPA just sits on the fence and watches! :(

Of course this whole type frozen business does not apply when your base converts from 737 to Airbus, and in this case you will not be bonded. (something EZY might seriously regret if you consider the market for Airbus rated pilots and the morale at some bases)

I´m on the 737 and if you do not want to fly the Airbus for the next couple of years I can recommend LTN as base, because my guess is that LTN will most probably stay a 737 base for a few more years due to the maintanance facilities. Of course everything can change again at a moments notice. :hmm:

[flying scotsman]

flown them both and the airbus is certainly better in my view. but looks like I'll be on the 73 for the next few years due to my base.

its a tough life!!;) ;) ;) :cool:

[Shaka Zulu]

I'm not fleet frozen for 3 years
Don't know where that statement came from or it has changed after i joined.
Anyway command opportunities will not be great on the 737 as for reasons afore mentioned...
I love the 737 for now, it's a challenge....

[Doug the Head]

Shaka Zulu, I´ve been told that the fleet freeze was introduced for all new pilots who started after January 2004. It´s written in the NTC´s somewhere...

The 737-700´s definetely aren´t bad as it´s a lovely aircraft to fly with a nice cockpit. No complicated computer laws for Boeing! ;)

So LVL CHG, did you pass the selection and did you get a start date?

[LVL CHG]

Shaka,

Thanks for your reply. How is the 737 a "challenge" for you?

Personally, if I could get on with Easy, I would want to get some 700 time before converting over to the Bus for the rest of my Easy career (no pun intended). I hear that the A319 is a great aircraft and that it is like "early retirement" with its sophisticated operating environment and ergonomics...

The 737-700 seems a bit tight up front for longer flights to Athens, etc. but I have been told by Boeing loyalists that it is a great ride and still offers a nice, updated EFIS package. I've been told that the 300s are a bit weathered and not so sophisticated beyond a basic EFIS package. Sure you are looking forward to their departure...

[Shaka Zulu]

A -700 is not much different from a -300 in the sense that FMC is "almost" the same, it has a different wing and 5 big screens on a row and it flies a bit faster ;)
-300's have the tendency to produce their own "faults" now and again, so monitoring is a bit intense then on a -700.
Also spatial awareness (where you are and for instance traffic/weather/terrain) is a lot better than a -300 but essentially they don't differ much.
especially the last -300's ie the 33V's are only 2/5 years old...

In previous years, Athens has been done on a -300 aswell.
And many other airlines have used 2 and -300's on longer routes then for instance ATH. It's not too big a deal. Just ergonomics are still 1960's ;)

And now it makes sense if the fleet freeze is from Jan 2004 onwards, i started in February last year ;)

[LVL CHG]

Doug,

No start date. Still working on it. It can get frustrating but I continue to build time and I am very hopeful. I really appreciate the insight from you guys on this board.

[Doug the Head]

Hmm, keep pushin´em for a start date because I´ve heard a rumour (i.e. not written in stone!) about a possible holding pool for new pilots as expansion will be slower in 2005.

I agree with Shaka Zulu, basically the same aircraft but the -700´s just are a bit more 21st century-like.

As far as career goes the -700 and the Airbus are the only way forward because the dials and gauges era of the -300 is over. Praise the Lord that EZY has also come to that conclusion! ;)

If you are joining with a lot of factored hours, then definitely go for the Bus because upgrading will be easier.
If you are a low timer, then I wouldn´t worry too much about which type you end up on, because sooner or later you will end up on the Airbus anyway, provided you can deal with the lifestyle.

[Shaka Zulu]

Yep, i know for a fact EZY has 7000 people on file.
I wouldn't worry too much either about what aircraft.
You can always put a base preference in but I think 90% of "new"comers will convert onto the Bus

[kriskross]

LVL CHG, hope you hear soon about joining, but, as I presume this is your first airline job, then it is getting the job that counts, whichever you fly you will enjoy your first few years - good luck.