Working in mainland China........
Below is taken from the Direct Personnel website re their recruitment for Air China Cargo:
"This is a 2 year contract based in Beijing, China. It is an excellent opportunity to work with a stable company for 2+ years where you will be treated well and welcomed in to the ACC team"
Here is what I have picked up via the airwaves in Hong Kong (even allowing that some of the vibe is true, it is cause for thought if not concern):
Air China Cargo work pattern is sent on Fridays via email for the following WEEK with frequent changes. Layover hotels are 2 or 3-star at best. Terms & Conditons of your agency contract are changed on arrival in Beijing. There are NO block days off. As far as foregin basing, ABSOLUTELY NOT as the base would require a Chinese manager pilot and none want to leave Beijing. The only chance to see family is if you buy a ticket home while on a short European layover or have them fly to Beijing. You will be paying full fare for the European ticket home as you will have had less than a weeks notice to buy the ticket. Having bought the ticket, your ACC trip can be changed or cancelled. ACC only provide 7 total tickets per year and these are not free. There are no Z tickets or any other agreements with other airlines. Medical care is unkonwn. Expat Captains can expect to be reported by the Chinese F/O's for ANY reason, be it on the flight or while on layover - do not complain about burnt toast!
Most of the foreign Captains at ACC, apart from some Koreans with no other options, are actively seeking other employment.
In any event, Air China Cargo will not release you via the CAAC to work with another airline in China. The local manager of the expat pilots has been described as a "vindictive office boy" with no sympathy for the needs of expat pilots whatsoever.
Why do you think there are so many ads to work in China?
It is true that aviaiton is expanding in China. But the ads for pilots are due more to the fact that nobody wants to tolerate their nonsense rather than due to the rate of expansion.
If you want a B744 rating, are single and have low expectations, ACC might be the place for you.
Regards,
Tommy