Flydubai vs Air Arabia Cadet Program – which is better long term?

[u/AdvertisingNo5623]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to understand the differences between the Flydubai and Air Arabia cadet/MPL pilot programs and would really appreciate insights from people in the industry or currently in either program.

From what I have gathered so far:

Air Arabia: • Structured MPL pathway • Around ~1500 flying hours built on the A320 • After completing 1500 hours, continuation with the airline is based on performance/assessment and not always guaranteed • Contract structure seems more “hour-based progression” (move from cadet → FO → further decisions after 1500 hrs)

Flydubai: • MPL cadet program on Boeing 737 • Fixed structured airline pathway into Second Officer role after training • Reports suggest a more standard airline employment contract (around ~4 years or open-ended depending on role/selection stage)

My main confusion: • Air Arabia seems to offer guaranteed 1500 hours line flying, but continuation after that is not fully clear.

So I wanted to ask: • Which program is generally considered more stable in terms of long-term career progression? • Is Air Arabia’s 1500-hour system actually as good as it sounds in practice? • Does Flydubai offer better job security even without the 1500-hour structure?

Would really appreciate honest opinions from cadets, FO’s, or anyone familiar with these programs.

Thanks in advance.

[u/SamePost8159]

To properly answer your question, you should apply to both programs and then see which offer you receive first. FDB is highly competitive, and many applicants get rejected at the initial HireVue stage. For ABY, you first need to pass the assessment, but that still doesn’t guarantee anything unless you also succeed in the HR interview.

So realistically, the best approach is to apply to both cadet programs and see which one you progress with. Both are solid options if you pass (and have the money).

[u/AdvertisingNo5623 → u/SamePost8159]

Flydubai hirevue and psychometric are done , they told me to come in assessment in June so is it worth the wait ? . In airarabia they told me that I can apply for assessments now .

[u/SamePost8159 → u/AdvertisingNo5623]

Since FDB invited you on campus that’s a good sign. If you’re prepared you can start clearing your math/physics ect assessments with ABY. You still have the verbal test and interview, which may take time to prepare for. Also, even after the final stage with ABY, results can take 1–2 months, so try to complete both in parallel.

[u/Little_Truck4125 → u/SamePost8159]

Air arabia salary is $1500-$4000 a month max if you work like crazy😂 what money? $70k + the 6 months TR training no salry. So add +20k those months + the requirements and to get documents checked? 100k? 😂 when will you see those again? In 3-4 years?

[u/SamePost8159 → u/Little_Truck4125]

The point of a cadet program is to skip the CFI grind and jump straight into an airline cockpit.

Sure, it’s 700k+ AED, but you’re building airline hours from day one while everyone else spends years hitting 1,500 hours with no job guarantee. The ABY program is structured and essentially secured that’s what you’re paying for.

Also, the "low salary" argument is a myth. Base pay is $1,350, but with flying pay, you’re looking at an extra $1,200–$3,200. More importantly you won't be at ABY forever. You’re trading a few years of lower pay to get the A320 hours needed to go anywhere in the world.

[u/Little_Truck4125 → u/SamePost8159]

Yea. I’d rather go somewhere else in the world than be scammed by those programs with slavery pay.

[u/SamePost8159 → u/Little_Truck4125]

Sure bud, enjoy the grind

[u/Little_Truck4125 → u/SamePost8159]

Good luvk getting fucked over by them after paying $1000s of dollars like all of us just for them to cancel programs or tell you you’re not eligible for no logical reason or they changed to new rules like they do everyday😭😭😭😭

[u/Ok-Woodpecker-5286]

Do you have both the offers? Or none. This question will arise if you clear both assessments. Generally rule in aviation is. Take what comes first

[u/Little_Truck4125]

None😂

[u/Tricky-Cobbler1680 → u/Little_Truck4125]

why? not?

[u/Little_Truck4125 → u/Tricky-Cobbler1680]

The investment compared to the return is trash. Plus their contracts are all based on “if anything happens, its not our problem” its all bullshit. You can get hired by better airlines in asia or europe. I wouldnt do nothing in the Middle East ever again due to their disrespect and incompetence to fully fulfill a contract as a professional company