Before anyone gets too warm and fuzzy about Cathay, better double check with the guys on pprune for details on SO recruiting. I believe they are only hiring Hong Kong locals (or those who are willing to live without a housing allowance in HK). HK isnt a place where you can find cheap housing... so be careful. DEFO hiring is non-existant currently(and even if it was you would need PIC turbine), and the mandatory retirement recently changed from 55 to 65. If Cathay brings back the expat benefits and housing allowance in HK I would jump on the opportunity as well, but until then i'll pass.
Bingo! That and the fact that at the time, S/O to F/O was going upwards of 4 years due to the fact they were hiring Direct Entry expat F/O's ahead of you. I was told 4 yrs and then about 5-7 to hold a base in the USA, Australia etc on the cargo side. I like the fragrant harbour (and lovely fresh air) and the opportunity to fly for one of the worlds best airlines (if not the best) but this was a deal breaker for me. That and the most important thing in my life wasn't up for it. Plenty other opportunities to live overseas.