I was just curious about the way that upgrades work at CX or any other airlines with the upgrade being based on performance and experience level. I assume it means you have to have the required flight time and do good on your checkrides. But my question is does this ever really affect the seniority order very much? ie: would someone hired on with low time take a lot longer to upgrade than someone hired on at the same time who comes in with a lot of experience?

while we're at it... what's the latest on average upgrade time from SO to junior FO to FO?

I am used to everything being solely based on the exact seniority number you are given so I am very interested and welcome the different approach on this!
thanks-

Youre slightly off the mark on this....I'll try to explain.

There is a seniority system in Cathay. As such you will be ASSESSED for upgrade in seniority order.
After reviewing youre sims, line-checks, upgrade interview result & personal file you will then be told when you can upgrade. The answers are:
a. as soon as your seniority number comes to the top
b. 3 month delay
b. 6 month delay
c. 12 month delay
d. never

The reasons for a delay are given. It could be poor performance in either flying or company matters. In short, you love for and of 'the firm' is considered a factor. 3-6mth delays are often given as a punitive slap on the hand. Buying a few company hats or attending a fleet party should see you right though :} (sorry, feeling cynical today)

Someone who joined through the cadet scheme (or those who joined with low hours) may be held back 12mths simply from an experience standpoint (obviously there are many many views on whether this is fair)

When upgrades from SO to FO were 18mths, ex-cadets were often held back. Now that upgrades are 3.5yrs then everyone upgrades in seniority order (unless they have been delayed for other reasons)

Even though youve been held back, your seniority number remains the same. So once youve upgraded, your next upgrade will still be assessed in the original order....ie: you cannot drop in seniority number.

The seniority list exists as an order of assessment only.

The system is not however performance based because the top scoring people dont get upgraded 1st. All those who pass assessement will be upgraded in seniority order.

The arguments for and against the system are many fold. Quite simply put, the detractors would say that if the system recruited and trained correctly then there would be no need for assessment.

anybody knows the success rate for cpt upgrade ( first shot) ?

heard it is really bad on the classic, moderate on glass , true ??