Rumour of salary enhancement
All intellectually sound and esoteric stuff from Arrowhead and Wayne's Tache.
However for those more interested in whether Macau Asia Express (or any carrier in Macao for that matter) is a good bet for employment, I heard an informed whisper last night that MAX have agreed to create two additional ranks - Senior Captain and Senior First Officer, with a 20 % + enhancement of the original salaries.
The Senior Captain (4000 hours; 1000 multi crew transport; 500 jet transport command from memory) now USD130,000 pa; Senior First Officer (3000 hrs; 500 hrs multi crew) now USD84 000 pa. The package is made up of several items - high productivity element based on 17 duties per month (but with a minimum guarantee) - the figures are approximate. There is also a provident fund/ medical etc but no housing. Minimal travel. Still not Cathay but getting better. Start dates for first aircraft late September.
Obviously they must have recognised the reality - if you want to get some decent pilots you have to pay for them, not rely on meaningless rhetoric about the reputation of the shareholders (Which Wayne ad Arrowhead would doubtless demolish in any case!)
Does this make it an attractive job? The jury is out, but it has advantages. They will give A320 ratings; they are offering a permanent job; they do not have a "localisation" problem; they have got 6 aircraft firmed up so there will be promotion and training opportunities. Living in Macao may be an acquired taste, but the tax is better than HK, accommodation is cheaper.
As to the interesting exchange above, much may be aplication of logic to an illogical situation! Having three airlines in Macao makes no sense; creating an airline to compete with your own other airline makes even less sense that defies rational analysis, so there are obviously other forces at play. My bet would be that MAX has a chance of prospering particularly if Air Macau is the basket case it reportedly is. I certainly would not put my pension on Viva's survival even if they are charming guys with or without AP!
Hailer