The National

na04 pilots butchers

  • Pilots Jerome Stubbs, left, and Michiel Smit, have taken up a new temporary profession as butchers while on unpaid leave. Photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Pilots Jerome Stubbs, left, and Michiel Smit, have taken up a new temporary profession as butchers while on unpaid leave. Photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dressed in a white butcher’s coat, the four captains don a signature set of epaulets, which makes them hard to miss when passing by the meat counter at the Organic Foods and CafĂ© in Dubai.
    Dressed in a white butcher’s coat, the four captains don a signature set of epaulets, which makes them hard to miss when passing by the meat counter at the Organic Foods and Café in Dubai.
  • The pilots-turned-butchers, from South Africa, Italy and the UK, have been working in their new roles on a temporary work permit since March.
    The pilots-turned-butchers, from South Africa, Italy and the UK, have been working in their new roles on a temporary work permit since March.
  • Under the agreement, the four pilots work five days a week, including some weekends, and can be released back to their airline at any given time.
    Under the agreement, the four pilots work five days a week, including some weekends, and can be released back to their airline at any given time.
  • Michiel Smit says the biggest challenge has been getting used to standing on his feet all day.
    Michiel Smit says the biggest challenge has been getting used to standing on his feet all day.
  • The pilots were put on unpaid leave for one year in November due to the travel disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The pilots were put on unpaid leave for one year in November due to the travel disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Michiel Smit prepares some chicken at the meat counter.
    Michiel Smit prepares some chicken at the meat counter.
  • Jerome Stubbs, a proud South African, enjoys prepping and preparing biltong while on shift at the store in Cityland Mall in Dubai.
    Jerome Stubbs, a proud South African, enjoys prepping and preparing biltong while on shift at the store in Cityland Mall in Dubai.
  • Jerome Stubbs, 50, started training to be a pilot when he was 27-years-old.
    Jerome Stubbs, 50, started training to be a pilot when he was 27-years-old.
  • Each day the pilots prepare the meat displays and serve customers at the Organic Foods and Cafe store in Cityland Mall.
    Each day the pilots prepare the meat displays and serve customers at the Organic Foods and Cafe store in Cityland Mall.
  • The pilots are fortunate enough to still have their rent, medical and educational benefits covered by Emirates.
    The pilots are fortunate enough to still have their rent, medical and educational benefits covered by Emirates.
  • Michiel Smit, left, and Jerome Stubbs on shift at the Organic Foods and Cafe in Dubai.
    Michiel Smit, left, and Jerome Stubbs on shift at the Organic Foods and Cafe in Dubai.
  • Dressed in a white butcher’s coat, the four captains don a signature set of epaulets, which makes them hard to miss when passing by the meat counter at the Organic Foods and CafĂ© in Dubai.
    Dressed in a white butcher’s coat, the four captains don a signature set of epaulets, which makes them hard to miss when passing by the meat counter at the Organic Foods and Café in Dubai.