Originally Posted by
FLowpayFO
I'm trying to find info about why things are so bad there? I have spoken with two SO's there and they really enjoy the job. Compared to being a regional FO making $30-40K a year living in expensive cities, no crew meals, bad schedules, virtually no medical benefits, 1% match on your 401K, what is so bad compared to being a broke regional pilot when they are offering a $80K job first year?
I've been a regional FO for a long time and quite frankly the hiring into the majors here in the U.S. ain't happening as easy as people assume. Job fairs sell out, thousands upon thousands working to get hired here at the legacies. Given the opportunity to upgrade into a U.S. base making the money that Cathay is offering doesn't sound too bad.
Not trying to flame but looking for honest answers when comparing life as a regional FO.
Were the people you talked to former regional FOs? The typical CX SO is from a CFI, fresh Commercial, or
ab initio background, so of course it's going to be a good job for them in comparison.
Also, as you know as a regional FO, like any airline CX can close outstation bases any time. So if your primary reason for considering them is the potential for US basing, I wouldn't go all in for just that reason alone. If you're the type that is open to living in a foreign country, that might work better.
I have no dog in this fight, but just some additional points to consider.