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.
Does this mean we will see a slow-down or even a halt in SO recruitment?