SIC
Just to clarify how the cadet scheme in CX works and how current recruitment is going.
1. CX pays the training costs for all cadets. About 36 per year.
2. Cadets “CAN NOT” be bonded by CX in HK after their training as evidenced by two cadets who after returning from Adelaide recently put in their resignation to CX. They had been offered a better deal with another local airline.
3. The flying school in Adelaide is severely constrained by a huge shortage of flying instructors in Australia. The pilot shortage in Australia is now approaching a critical stage with all sectors now starting to have difficulty attracting suitably qualified candidates.
4. Unlike what you may have heard, CX does have a severe problem with the number of suitably qualified candidates applying for the cadet scheme and direct entry positions. The number of people failing to show up for interviews is running at unsustainable levels. They have better offers elseware.
5. QF makes money out of their cadet scheme by charging for the training. The only reason QF is starting up their own flying school is they can see a buck in it. It is questionable though whether it will help their recruitment problems and whether they will be able to find the suitably qualified people in the current climate to run the school.