Originally Posted by
Shoebox
Hong Kong Express doesn't have the contractual history and backing of unions like that of Cathay. They were always a small Chinese run company on narrow body jet aircraft. They never had the crew complement to be able to increase pay to the levels of the big players. People I know in the company are proud to have had their time on the Embraer and move upwards to the Boeing and Airbus. I say good for them, they have given their loyalty and have been rewarded. Not everyone cares about flying a wide body, some people enjoy family life at home every night.
I must say that your friend should be ashamed for being proud to be the cheapest but he cannot help his level of pay. It is just a carry over from the mainland owners who would have removed anyone for thinking they could have higher remuneration.