this is purely speculative but I think S/O may be a Tech term in regards to Citijet cadets(is their really a need for SOs on avroRJs etc ) it is probably more in line with Citijet 'intern' Pilot but Second officer sounds better, the initial pay is probably more of a training allowance as it sound a lot like Air NZs intended Cadet pilot scheme( I wonder who might be involved in that in future):
http://www.pprune.org/forums/d-g-gen...academy-2.html
From the study produced by 4 people, 2 i can confirm are pilots (jet) for Air NZ, not sure on the other two.
Graduating students from the cadetship would move directly into the third seat of a wide-body air New Zealand jet to gain familiarity with the working of the multi-crew operation. Whilst in receipt of a TRAINING salary, these second officers would not be type-rated or be listed on the company seniority list. From there, they would be employed into the Air New Zealand Group as a first officer on the turbo-prop fleet and issued with a seniorty number.
For the cadets, their "return of service" would start at the point of employment as a first officer. If the airline had contributed to the cost of the training this return of service would be completed at a reduced salary, in order for the company recoup the financial cost of the training. It is envisaged that the cadetship programme will take three years to complete from the commencement of training to completion of year one as a second officer.
the study goes on to state that there will be one interview for all the Air Nz group and you end up on a combined seniorty list.
Pilot shortage prompts Air NZ aviation academy
"We have got to get young people interested in aviation as a career, whether it be as a pilot, or just as importantly, as engineers and flight attendants," Morgan said.
The curriculum was yet to be finalised, but it appears likely that students would first learn to fly a light aircraft with a partner flying school.
Air New Zealand would then fast-track their training as airline pilots in its own simulators.
"These people come through thinking like airline pilots when they first step into the cockpit."
Whether students would have to pay for their training was yet to be decided, but Morgan said trainee pilots already qualified for student loans.
Pilot shortage prompts Air NZ aviation academy - Business: press.co.nz
whilst not 100% the same some aspects sound similar - but this is purely speculative.