UCLAbruins

That's how Netjets did it in the Middle East at first. They would send crews over for a month (month on-month off). But that got very expensive very quickly, you're out of the country away from home one month at a time, some guys were making $2000 a month just on per diem alone. Then you got the first class tickets, and hotels, etc

My guess That's how is going to start in China, but it won't last. After a while, their position will be "you're moving there"

NetJets' management seems to think Netjets-China will be larger than NJE quickly and eventually grow past Netjets US.

jrmyl

You really think flying and living in China would be awesome? Have you flown or lived there? I see your daughter is Chinese but visiting and working in China are two different things.

Flying in Chinese airspace is a nightmare. Long delays for no reason other than they want the local airlines to depart first. No weather deviations due to military airspace that takes up most of the country. Flying offsets at all times since they don't trust their radar. Passing through the pollution layer around 12k ft and needing to wash the dirt off the windshields after landing just so you can see out of it.

Other than that it's not bad.

And I don't even work for a Chinese airline.

Chris99

jrmyl, how much time do you spend flying in China every month? I'm asking because I might consider going if NJs offered. Anyone have any speculations on when the company might start asking people to go? Were there any salary perks for the guys that volunteered for the NJME startup?

jrmyl

I do anywhere from 2-8 flights per month to there from Japan. Each one brings it's own wonders and challenges.

Chris99

Is it really that bad? Any "pros" to flying/overnighting in China?

EXPAT1

It is a HUGE country and very diverse culture. Saying you don't like China because the air is dirty in Beijing is like saying USA sucks because NYC is dirty. You could spend a lifetime and never see 1/10th of what exists here. The flying is difficult to long delays, long duty days and very strict operating procedures. The Pro side is the "Money". The contracts in China now lead the world for ExPat pilots but it comes at a price. If you are patient and persistent you can come here for 1-2 very lucrative contracts and then move on to something more stable and secure.

An earlier post was talking about using Chinese Docs to help soften up the medical screening. This can and does occur, at my airline of about 1000 pilots we have about 10 full time Docs who help and aid the pilots during the medical screening every 6 months. The problem is they are essentially powerless. They are glorified shoe clerks or simply used as getting, pouring and keeping the tea hot. The power to pass your medical ultimately belongs to the CAAC government Docs who do the assessments. Things happen in strange ways in China with power, connections, strings pulled and politics but ultimately it is the CAAC Docs who have the ultimate say in whether you pass or not.
If this operation ever becomes a reality, Net Jets will be getting a huge Chinese education on how things really work in China. I question whether they have the stomach or patience for such a system. There are currently several private jet gigs in China and the wise Chinese businessmen keep their jets parked in Hong Kong. In order to fly you have to submit a flight plan at least 48 hours prior for military approval in China. Most businessmen keep their jets in Hong Kong so they can have more flexibility. If you want a job here in China it can be a very high paying job but it comes with big costs, high stress and mental and physical strain. Come here for 1-2 contracts but then move on to greener pastures.

Learjet FO

China Daily says China will need to train a HALF MILLION PILOTS OVER THE NEXT 20 years. That's NEW pilots.