Some people think that there is going to be some dramatic increase in pilot recruitment at CX because of aircraft orders in place. The reality is far different. Between now and 2024 CX will retire approximately 70 aircraft from its fleet. This includes 21 x B747-400 pax and freighters, 12 x A340-300, 5 x B777-200, 12 x B777-300, and 17 x A330-300. In that same time frame 93 aircraft are on order. This is a net gain of 23 aircraft or 2.3 aircraft per year.
Now the kicker for all you wannabes is that the HK Civil Aviation Department has just approved CX’s new “Flight Time Limitation” scheme which now allows 3 man Long Range Operations where previously it required 4. This came into effect on the 1st March. Also all Long Range Operations that are flown 3 crew must comprise 1 x Capt and 2 x FO’s. SO’s will only be required on Ultra Long Range Operations to New York and Toronto and some A330 flights to Middle Eastern and Australian destinations. In the stroke of a pen the SO requirement by CX has potentially been reduced by 100’s.
Lastly it was asked when CX will start AE & TT courses again. TT is currently on hold as there isn’t the need for many SO’s. AE will probably never return as the HK Immigration Department from what I have been told doesn’t believe they meet the requirements for the granting of a sponsored work visa. There are two fundamental requirements that an employer must meet when sponsoring an expatriate employee in HK. The prospective employee MUST bring into HK a QUALIFICATION and EXPERIENCE that isn’t readily available in HK. Since an AE pilot doesn’t hold an ATPL because they don’t meet the experience requirements to hold one the HK Immigration Department from what I gather doesn’t believe they meet the requirements for a visa.