I've been doing it for 8 years and not planning to do anything different either..., as it turned out..., it's a lot less stressful than jumpseating within the US. But of course it has to be confirmed business class, CX these days is just not a good option

 

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.

 

I would seriously consider it if I were you, but plan on living in HK for at least 3-5 years. No guarantee of getting into JFK etc.

If they opened JFK to new hire FOs I would apply. I'm currently JFK based with a different foreign carrier, generally happy, but would think about CX if the opportunity arose.

As to why it's so bad, head over to PPRuNe and read a few pages. Granted, take it with a lot of grains of salt as those are the biggest dissenters, but you'll get an idea. Lots of animosity between management and pilots. Don't think that's changed since the 49ers.

I agree that a regional FO isn't a great place to be, and unless you start butt kissing now to get a check airman job, the legacies are still far off.

 

Big difference between Air Japan and Cathay with your confirmed business class commutes. That would make it doable.

 

Flowpay,

I spent the last seven years at CX and was based in the US before leaving last summer for a US legacy. CX has its pluses and its minuses. I entered with the most rose colored glasses I could find but they did wear over time. With that said, I left b/c I didn't perceive there to be a future for me or my family there, and many many feel that way which is why you get the negativity on many boards(prune, etc). To be honest, you are EXACTLY who CX wants in terms of the pilot market. If given the choice between 35K in the states as a RJ FO, or 75-80 babysitting the A/P on a 777, it is a no brainer. Go to CX. CX knows this is the market and that is why for someone like yourself, its not bad. With that said, 75-80K gets you in HKG exactly what 30K gets you in the US…basically nothing.

To answer your question, commuting at CX is nothing like what you are thinking about in US terms. In the US, most do 4 on, 3 off, and go commute home via the jumspeat on those days off and turn around and do it all over again. Cathay does have a jumpseat program, but you WILL PAY to use it, and not a small amount. An they DO NOT and WILL NOT have a commuter policy. If you can't make, CALL IN SICK. Do not be honest as they do not encourage it. Once and you get a letter, twice shown the door. You'll probably get a break of 7-10 days off at a time every month or so as an SO so some try to 'commute' to the states. One of my best friends tried it MCO-HKG and it ultimately cost him his marriage and a lot more. There are a few that try, and it simply can't last for a long time. I wish you luck. I enjoyed my time, but it is a bitter place to work at times and right now is one of those.

 

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.

 

If you want out of the regional.. I would say to stay in the US and apply at Southern Air, Atlas, Omni, Kalitta, Amerijet, and National.. All are hiring with reasonable mins that you should have.. Give it a shot

 

Now you have seen all the things about CX. It is a miserable place. It has become Korean now and the exodus is unprecedented. Mate, honestly, stay away. It's just not worth it.

 

Granted..., but a lot of these airlines have pretty horrible T&C'S..., just because CX conditions are bad doesn't mean that there aren't pretty good options on the international market.

 

CX vs the bottom feeders in the US supplemental market? Really? Wow.