Sorry for the delay but I've been on days off and ignoring my computer.

TP is bang on as far as punitive safety culture is concerned. The only airlines that don't qualify on that regard are Shanghai Airlines (lucky you), because of a S American chap running thing's, and Great Wall (where I am) which is run by SQ and Malaysian Airlines guy's, who are excellent.

Otherwise it's pretty bad. Get a FOQA/QAR tag and you'll be docked a weeks pay, have to do a sim and be expected to pay for it. I saw an example the other day in Chicago as we were taxiing out behind a China Cargo (China Eastern) B744. They took forever to cross the runway and Evergreen had to go around. I reckon they were making sure they didn't bust the N1 taxi tag. Not there fault I think, but the tower likely had no idea. We were a B registered aircraft too, and behind them but with a couple Yankee sounding guys on board, so we didn't get any 'special' treatment.

Anyway, as far as I understand it Shanghai Airlines is OK. Now that they have been purchased by China Eastern, I don't know.

As far as Shanghai, what a great town. And China is a great country to poke around on your day's off. I find the people fantastic to deal with in general, and pretty friendly in the city as well. I don't find people in HKG friendly at all. If you see thing's the same way then you know what I mean.

Good luck with it. The flying is interesting, and it'll be more interesting for you on the 737 as you'll go to all the fun places. Enjoy.