Time to command.
Firstly we're all crystal balling some issues. Yes I accept the retirement age issue may have an impact, but no one really knows for sure - it's all speculation. Currently Cathay commands are somewhere between 8-10yrs. How much or if indeed they will blow out is open to conjecture. Now that said, even if it's out to 13 years, that brings it into line with Qantas.
Yes, if you want a command you will have to take a HKG base, but as has been highlighted, you can commute. No it's not easy or desirable, but quite achievable.
In fact at least you can commute with Cathay.
Now let's compare apples with apples.........
Virgin or Jetstar debatably a much higher work rate than Cathay
Virgin or Jetstar extremely difficult to commute
Virgin or Jetstar lower starting wages.
If we're viewing things over the longer term.....
A Cathay pilot starts with reasonably higher wages, get's overtaken when their Virgin Counterpart achieves command (crystal ball it) at the 6 year mark. For the next 7 years they are on a touch lower, but at the 13 year mark they overtake their Virgin buddy. For the next 10-20 years they are on a much better pay packet. In the long run they will make more money, while liviing in Aus (which ever City they want), doing less work. I will admit the only down side here is the commuting - but it is workable.
Can I say wake-up again, or is that inflammatory.....yeah I know it is......sorry