Some more information that might be useful - appears to be well funded for a start up, with reasonably well known share-holders (CNAC and Shun Tak - the gaming lot). Claim it is going to be low cost but it remains to be seen if this is possible. Appears to be a lot of ex Dragonair influence in the start up team, but I am not sure that will be so in Flt Ops.
Six leased A320 aircraft confirmed - 5 in 2008. All ex ANA aircraft, not in the first flush of youth but well maintained. They are currently recruiting Training Captains, Captains and First Officers- it appears the initial package they offered was pretty thin (certainly NOT Dragonair packages) and rumour has it that a sizeable increase in salary may be about finalised - rumoured to be US$135 K per annum for a Captain, US$100 K for an experienced FO. They are also apparently willing to take low time FO with no jet experience.
They state a preference for A320 experienced crew - but then who doesn't! At least they are offering A320 transition courses - no formal bond but a three year reducing loan against the transition cost.
Initial routes to Japan, Vietnam and Philippines but they state that eventually China will be the main focus. Given the huge growth of casinos and "associated delights" in Macau it does appear there is a genuine business case to feed the voracious appetite of the gambling tables. Usual over optimism about growth and profitability - plans to have a zillion aircraft by year three!
Couple of permanent management guys rumoured to be about to start - Safety Manager ex CX; CP and MT from some European operator. The VP Ops and Manager Operations are ex Air Macau - at the moment there is an old ex Dragonair guy as Head of Operations but he is apparently only there for the next couple of months to get the show going.
The formal AOC application process is underway and most of the manuals supposedly written and submitted for approval.
Interviews are the usual routine - personal interview, a group session on technical subjects and a simulator ride (very straightforward). Pretty friendly atmosphere I am told.
There is a pretty good web site on Macau - COL, tax, cost of accommodation etc - look it up on Google. It ain't Hong Kong, but neither is it Shenzen so on balance probably a reasonable bet.
Hailer