Air HK interview

[floatjockey01]

Hi all...new to to this thing so bear with me. Got an interview with Air HK in a couple of weeks. Anyone gone though one of these recently who can help out with some tips/info??? Also if there's anyone working for them, would appreciate anything they can pass on re: salary, accom etc etc

[Kestrel120]

forget about AHK, there have been many recent resignations of late due to poor COS

[floatjockey01]

Thanks for the heads up Kestrel120. Excuse my ignorance but what does COS mean??? Will go for the interview anyway...will post results on my return. FJ01

[skywaytoheaven]

COS = conditions of service. and the same can be said for nearly every airline, just have look, not one (except maybe the european majors) doesnt have a significant resignation rate.

[floatjockey01]

Thanks Skywaytoheaven....amazing isnt it how operators just dont get it. Worldwide pilot shortage, record profits and they're happy to maintain their same arrogant and nickle n dime attitude. Well, in the end, its them that lose.....constant training etc.Maybe the bean counters should be put under a 'half year salary' bond and then see how things change!!

[hongkongfooey]

An ex workmate was with AHK, basically budget on getting paid only the base rate, and not getting upgraded until all the locals have, and you will not be disappointed. Apparently the interviewers very good at painting a rosy picture. Then if you leave within the bond ( even tho bonds illegal in HK ) period, they will chase you to the ends of the earth.
Other than that, its all good :hmm:

[AAIGUY]

Your bonded in Singapore not HKG.

Some years ago AHK lost a court ruling in HKG with bonding (hende it being proven illegal in HKG) so they "based" all the crew in SIN and contract them under SIN Law.

Your bond @ AHK is VERY legal, A bond @ ANY HK based carrier is NOT.

[banana-driver]

There has been some salary enhancements recently. However, with the massive increase in the cost of living in singapore (a small 2+1 appartment now costing $3500pm) and the slide of the US$, you are no better off. Lifestyle has taken a hammering. The over crewed situation has been resolved with the above industry rate of resignation. Crews are now working 10+ day patterns with less days off. With the high level of organisational change inertia, it does not look good for the future.

[Agent Mulder]

what does a f/o take home now at Air HK?

[floatjockey01]

30K USD for training period (approx 3 months) then 46K with a few token extras. Bond is 3 year/ USD 65K. No accom allowances....min 2-3 year upgrade hmmmmmm....

[El Lobo Solo]

So, it's actually worse than 8 days on 6 off? That can't be good. Are the crew hotels nice at least? There's got to be some upside besides new A300s......isn't there?

[floatjockey01]

Dont know too much about the quality of o/nights etc. The money is garbage and so is the bond they expect u to sign. Havent heard too many positives...

[El Lobo Solo]

FO type rating? C'mon folks, work with me here. 3 years and $65k is a lot of bond, especially if things are as bad as everyone says.:}

And, I suppose they're not really "overnights" as much as "overdays". :E

[The_Saint]

Basically, hotels are the same as what CX pilots use. "Overdays" are from Tuesday to Thursday. Fridays and Sundays layover at station for 2 days.

Yes you are bonded for 3 yrs. You dont pay anything If you choose to stay. Otherwise you will be charged for the training you had received.

Capts guaranteed 45 hrs pay above basic about US$7500 no flying.
FOs get US$ 5200 guaranteed no flying.
Per diem apprx US$4.80/hr from the time you leave your base till you return.

Bases in Penang, Hkg and SIN. No living allocation.

Rosters are 8 days on and 6 days off an occasional 10 days on 7 days off.

Hope this helps you decide.

[El Lobo Solo]

Thanks Saint. It's nice to get some detailed information. There's not a lot out there to be found.

Aloha.
ELS

[NotHere]

Hi Saint..what I heard about the per diem is about USD3.90 and not USD4.80..?? also it not occasional of 10days ON and 7days OFF...but its a norm of `10 on and 7off `and even 11days ON.. .. forget the lifestyle...being said, man!
the rumour out there is the GM ex CX guy is a `conman` lies through his teeth..apparently been going on from the start up in 2004... But if you don`t have a choice...air hong kong is waiting...desperately and even Indons have started to turn down the job :D

[CAPT_BEER]

Conditions are fine here, RD our GMOA is a wonderful chap.
You get to fly with me and all the other really great guys here with us, PH and MQ from OZ just to name a few. Know them all well, drink with them all the time, legally, of course, don;t want the same trouble i had when i was flying with SQ, this Drinking and Flying BS is really inconvenient.
With all the resignations going on, those of us with nowhere else to go are flying plenty, so the pay is really good.....
Take up the offer mate, RD is getting desperate, he will hire anyone with just about any licence and experience. Don't worry, i will teach you a thing or 2 about flying when you get here. Am not an instructor yet, just like MQ, but we will share our vast experience and knowledge of aviation with you, we do it all the time.