I have seen some interesting adverts for B757/767 Captains based in Shenzhen flying cargo.

Unic and Smile both post adverts, and was wandering if anyone has any experience of these contract companies ... looks good on paper, but then it so often does ...

Many thanks

There is a lot of money to be made as a pilot in China, but you have to be very aware of what you're getting into, and I would say it's very debatable whether it's worth leaving a secure job in Europe or the US.

Some issues to consider:

1. The medical is always a concern, not just the initial, but every annual medical, and can easily bring your Chinese career to an early end.
2. Although you may pass the selection simulator, checks after that can be very unique to China (and to the individual instructor) and can cause a lot of difficulty and often absolute failure.
3. It is without a doubt a culture of blame and being a foreign Pilot you will be the first out of the door in case of any incident.

Having said that if you make through the system and are consistently able to pass the medical it can be rewarding.

3. It is without a doubt a culture of blame and being a foreign Pilot you will be the first out of the door in case of any incident.... and let's not forget the new classification of incidents. nowadays, any birdstrike, lightning strike is considered - incident!

With points 1., 2., and 3. of the previous post, that gives you excellent opportunity to be sacked several times at any given leg.

Do you still find it attractive?

As for the agencies. It's been mentioned several times in various threads. The role of the agency is: taking your CV and putting it to any airline's HR. Should you pass the selection, agency gets monthly commission. Nothing less, nothing more. Nobody backs you up here. Should (god forbid) anything happen, expect to be on your own.

Selection process, terms and conditions, leave, contracts, medical - everything's dictated by your airline (no matter which one you chose). Agencies have unlike chances/will to change anything.

If you think from point "one to three" then you should not only think twice before you decide.

China has the highest population on earth, they are not willing to change anything for a round eyed and long nosed "Westener".

Read thru the threads and look of you want to take that risk. The greener side is highly where you are at the moment, except you are layed off or jobless, then the picture is diffrent. Alot of Guy´s took the likelihood of the family at risk by wanted another gig and got the Dragon instead.

Thanks for your replies

Can someone give me more information concerning Juneyao Airlines?

Don't come to Juneyao. The new contract is only 40 days off, including your 8 sick days per year. It will take you a least 6 to 7 months to start flying. They want expats to work as Chinese pilots, 4 days on and 36hrs off. After 3 month straight like that, you will feel like dying and you need a break, and you only will have 40 days a year. Old contract was 120 days off a year, plus 8 sick days. That was very good. Another is that after you sign the contrac you are on the airline hands and they will do what ever they want with you. No help from brokers. Look in to West air.