Air China is not even close to being the largest carrier in the world. Even if they bought CX outright, they still would not be anywhere close. That is considering passengers carried, fleet size, revenue, employees etc. etc.. Not even close. American Airlines is, by far, the worlds largest carrier. Not that it means anything to be the worlds largest carrier. For pilots, pay and quality of life are all that matter, and once again, Air China does not come anywhere close.
Originally Posted by
Frank W. Abagnale
I see only two problems with that:
A) HKA/HNA group hasn't figured that out yet and they probably never will.
Imagine HKA offering part time, commuting rosters, you name it.
Imagine HKA treating their staff with respect instead of Cathay's 'CAN NOT' stone age attitude.
The truth is, at the moment HKA is the same as Cathay when it comes to management/staff relations, therefore it is not a solution.
B) Who has more influence in Beijing, Air China or HNA ?
Probably there is more behind the mutual ties between Cathay and Air China than pure business reasons.
With the stake of Air China Cathay bought political influence in Beijing as well.
Air China is their flag carrier and has the potential to become the biggest airline in the world (after a Cathay takeover, which might be the long term plan).
Following business news quite a few deals planned by the HNA group were blocked by Beijing over the last few months.
So if HKA really posed a threat to Cathay at some stage I wouldn't be surprised if Beijing intervenes.