Anyone know what the competitive mins are for Cathay? I'm a regional first officer with around 2200tt and a four year degree. Thanks!

 

They'll probably take you as a second officer. They take guys with wet commercials. If I was in your shoes I'd wait until you can make direct entry FO, or you've got at least 1000 SIC.

Depending on if you'd like to return to the USA I'd also suggest get your upgrade here while the tempo to the music is good.

Even if in your mind right now Cathay is your career airline, it's worth knocking out your 1000 hours of 121 PIC.

 

Just be very careful which job that Cathay offers you...the T&Cs are very different depending on weather you are a DEFO (Direct Entry FO), DESO (Direct Entry SO), or a Cadet Entry. Even people with significant part 121 experience have been offered into the 'Cadet Short Course' which is really just a license conversion in Australia or NZ. The intent of the 'cadet' programs was for HK locals, such the cadet programs do not offer near the expat housing allowance that is required to live comfortably in HK.

HK is one of the most expensive cities on the planet, and plan on $5-$10,000+ (USD) for a western style 1-2 bedroom flat; under the 'Direct Entry' schemes, Cathay will pay if not all, the vast majority of that rent, and conversely on the cadet entry side, plan on maybe an allowance of $500-$1,000 USD per month. Sounds generous coming from the states as this is on top of your salary, but just look at HK real estate prices, in the desirable areas...Midlevels, Central, etc, and see what a modest flat will cost you monthly.

PPRuNe is an okay resource, but can be full of jaded opinions (and rightfully jaded), lots of good info, just know that it is very doom and gloom on that site.

I do not have much more information than that, as my tango with Cathay was many years ago, and this is the latest I hear from my friends whom are still flying with them.

Alas, do what is best for your family, you, and your career (in that order), and if Cathay is still the best...then enjoy flying the world, on an airline that people are genuinely excited to fly on.

 

CX is a sinkhole. Pilots are abandoning the place as fast as they can. Be very careful what you get yourself into.
You will never get a US base.

 

I was reading about housing in HKG. It is VERY, VERY expensive. An expat wife wanted a 3 BR, 2 bath home in a nice location, with a pool. She was able to rent what she desired.
Her housing allowance was $60,000 USD per MONTH.

The highest housing allowance category for HKG listed on that website was $100,000-$300,000 USD per month...

 

One more thing to consider: the government in HK (and by extension, China) is throwing their support behind Hong Kong Airlines. CX is being allowed to slowly decline. If you really really want to fly in HK, that company might have a more positive future. They are holding screenings in the States this month.

 

The last post was a year ago, might anyone have current info on
- Hiring First Officers
- Schedule
- QOL
- Pay

I am a few hours short of the 500 in a type greater than 45,000kg
Is that a hard time? I greatly exceed the SO quals and the FO quals except those 45,000kg hours.

 

See PPrune.org Fragrant Harbour section and try not to hang yourself.

 

Reference my above posy as I have friends that fly there. Their housing allowance has even shrunk further for 'direct entry' schemes. My buddy is a G captain based in HKG, and I believe his housing allowance is ~25K a month. He has a really nice place, but even at that, wanting space for his family they live considerably outside the city limits.

 

Swire Pacific the parent company of cx had reported a 41% lost in revenue due to the 10 weeks of protest. All pilots who participated in the protest are identified and banned from China. They also now have CCTV in their cabins and lounges. All crew members name and records now have to be submit to the communist party. If you have said anything on the internet I am sure they would investigate.