Well CXmonkey, this time I pretty much agree with you.
I wish it weren't true, but the days of really exceptional pay for pilots, anywhere in the world, is gone I think.
However, is that really the case that both
VB and J* pay more? Is that first year salary? How does it compare after a year or two? Do you have some numbers?
Like all airlines, alas, it's true: champagne pilots on beer budget.
Good thing I like beer.
Regarding DEFO's, the current info out there is correct: not starting again until 2012. But keep in mind the company is just guessing. No one has a crystal ball, (especially) not even the Swires. If the current trajectory is anything to go by, CX, like most airlines, has seen a big upswing in business, bringing in more $$ than budget. If things do continue that way, it'll be full hiring ahead, once again.
But who knows?