Don't worry about the DragonAir -400 BCFs being wet leased, they are going to be in Cathay colours before they roll out of the hangar. Actually, it has been told on the 3rd floor that there is an ex-SAA -400 on the way that was to be converted to a BCF, but instead it will be fitted for pax. The DragonAir BCF is due out on the last days of December, and it will be delivered to Cathay. So too will two more DragonAir BCFs scheduled for next year. Apparently, to no ones surprise, DragonAir cannot crew their freighters - aka, operational difficulties. So Cathay's freighter fleet will grow quickly.
How are they going to crew them at Cathay?
CX lost 38 FOs in the last 12 months back to North America, and a similar number in Europe. With the 777 requirements for crews, they can't keep up with attrition and crew a bigger fleet. Good Luck!! Everyone knows somebody who is looking at another carrier, it is not just the money anymore but the shifting CoS, 1972 RAF flight school that new joiners get to experience, lack of a stabe future.
PS...did you hear that Cathay went to Dubai to recruit 777 pilots - well it may come down to that soon.
