Macau Asia Express
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In the know
Hailer, you appear to be in the know. Have recently arrived in HK and generally been shafted by broken promises etc etc. Whats the go with AMU and MAX, i.e. requirements, recruiting, pay and which organisation would be a better bet? I have heavy time.
Would appreciate some no bullsh1t advise for once in Hong Kong
Would appreciate some no bullsh1t advise for once in Hong Kong
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I copy from their adv for you guys may interested...thanks!
Job Role: Flight Crew
Job Hours: Full-Time
Location: China
Job Position: Permanent
Company: Macau Asia Express
Salary: Up to USD131 thousands per annum
Posted Date: Friday, September 07, 2007 11:59:36 AM
Macau Asia Express Limited has signed the leasing agreement for the first six A320-200 aircrafts and five of them will be delivered in 2008. The arriving fleet will be utilized to develop a new, single-class, low-fare route network between Macau and a number of cities in Japan, PRC, Vietnam and other points in Asia.
We are now looking to recruit;
Direct Entry Senior Captain
Up to USD131 thousands per annum
Requirements:
§ A320 type rating not required but will be an advantage
§ Valid ICAO, JAA or FAA ATPL (A)
§ Valid class 1 medical certificate
§ Minimum 4,000 total flying hours
§ Minimum 1,000 flying hours on multi-engine jet public transport aircraft
§ Minimum 500 hours in command on multi-crew jet aircraft
v These are permanent positions and type-rated training will be given.
v Non-type-rated candidate will be considered up to aged 61 and type-rated candidates up to aged 63.
v Training positions are available for type-rated line training captains and TRE.
============================================================ =
Job Role: Flight Crew Job Hours: Full-Time
Location: China
Job Position: Permanent
Company: Macau Asia Express
Salary: Up to USD84 thousands per annum
Posted Date: Friday, September 07, 2007 11:57:34 AM
Macau Asia Express Limited has signed the leasing agreement for the first six A320-200 aircrafts and five of them will be delivered in 2008. The arriving fleet will be utilized to develop a new, single-class, low-fare route network between Macau and a number of cities in Japan, PRC, Vietnam and other points in Asia.
We are now looking to recruit;
Direct Entry Senior First Officer
Up to USD84 thousands per annum
Requirements:
§ A320 type rating not required but will be an advantage
§ Valid ICAO, JAA or FAA ATPL (A)
§ Valid class 1 medical certificate
§ Minimum 3,000 total flying hours
§ Minimum 500 flying hours on multi-engine jet public transport aircraft
v These are permanent positions and type-rated training will be given.
If you are interested in this permanent position, please forward your application including resume, present and expected salary to [email protected]
Job Role: Flight Crew
Job Hours: Full-Time
Location: China
Job Position: Permanent
Company: Macau Asia Express
Salary: Up to USD131 thousands per annum
Posted Date: Friday, September 07, 2007 11:59:36 AM
Macau Asia Express Limited has signed the leasing agreement for the first six A320-200 aircrafts and five of them will be delivered in 2008. The arriving fleet will be utilized to develop a new, single-class, low-fare route network between Macau and a number of cities in Japan, PRC, Vietnam and other points in Asia.
We are now looking to recruit;
Direct Entry Senior Captain
Up to USD131 thousands per annum
Requirements:
§ A320 type rating not required but will be an advantage
§ Valid ICAO, JAA or FAA ATPL (A)
§ Valid class 1 medical certificate
§ Minimum 4,000 total flying hours
§ Minimum 1,000 flying hours on multi-engine jet public transport aircraft
§ Minimum 500 hours in command on multi-crew jet aircraft
v These are permanent positions and type-rated training will be given.
v Non-type-rated candidate will be considered up to aged 61 and type-rated candidates up to aged 63.
v Training positions are available for type-rated line training captains and TRE.
============================================================ =
Job Role: Flight Crew Job Hours: Full-Time
Location: China
Job Position: Permanent
Company: Macau Asia Express
Salary: Up to USD84 thousands per annum
Posted Date: Friday, September 07, 2007 11:57:34 AM
Macau Asia Express Limited has signed the leasing agreement for the first six A320-200 aircrafts and five of them will be delivered in 2008. The arriving fleet will be utilized to develop a new, single-class, low-fare route network between Macau and a number of cities in Japan, PRC, Vietnam and other points in Asia.
We are now looking to recruit;
Direct Entry Senior First Officer
Up to USD84 thousands per annum
Requirements:
§ A320 type rating not required but will be an advantage
§ Valid ICAO, JAA or FAA ATPL (A)
§ Valid class 1 medical certificate
§ Minimum 3,000 total flying hours
§ Minimum 500 flying hours on multi-engine jet public transport aircraft
v These are permanent positions and type-rated training will be given.
If you are interested in this permanent position, please forward your application including resume, present and expected salary to [email protected]
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Be careful with the pay spiel lads, I have heard (but not seen) that the pay is highly geared towards hours flown. Hopefully you will have seen the exact details. Anyway, remember that new airlines have a habit of adding to the schedule only very slowly - esp in Macau. Meanwhile, remember that AMU and the regulator (AACM) are both either 
or 
which could add further delays.
Coming back to Hailer's points...
1) I know the A320s are LOI (ie semi-confirmed, ie should go through)
2) My point is that the PRC has relatively few expat pilots (eg the Brazilians in Shenzhen that havent yet gone to HK-cant figure out how they did their ground exams
). My point about mainlanders paying for expats was that mainland *passengers* would not pay more for their tickets for a gweilo cockpit crew.
3) AMU does rule 100% (even VIVA Macau which is non-subsidiary), because it has the monopoly concession and is totally in bed with the regulator. ie if AMU does not want it, they can make your life bloody hard for a long time (just ask Cebu - whoops
)
4) Air Macau said it would not compete with low-cost given its structural high cost (read low-brained
) base. Thats why it left SIN, KUL, only does Manila 4x/wk with no service, and Bangkok at a crazy time to keep its Korean agents happy. To be fair, Air Asia and Tiger are strong competitors. So they decided to set up a loco to compete on a level playing field..... or should I say to appease the politicians to add more routes meanwhile sharing the losses with partners (Stanley wants the pax in his Casinos, and probably cares little about airline profitability). MAX can only work if it has a large and shiny new fleet bought for a big discount (oops), or it is highly integrated into the parent to share many costs. Sadly, I fear it will be a loss leader for Stanley Ho, and the cheapest way to keep the politicians quiet for AMU.
I didnt think I would ever say this, but if you are already rated I would join the parent company first - esp since the pro-Brazilian movement has probably ended and 3 Captains have left within the last month.
ps I know sensible people who were hired by the MAX Chief Pilot, even relocated their families to Macau, only to be told on arrival that they were not expected there
(they got in, just, eventually...). He's a nice guy, but he is sly. So be careful you have it absolutely clearly in writing before you do anything. You have been warned.
or which could add further delays.Coming back to Hailer's points...
1) I know the A320s are LOI (ie semi-confirmed, ie should go through)
2) My point is that the PRC has relatively few expat pilots (eg the Brazilians in Shenzhen that havent yet gone to HK-cant figure out how they did their ground exams
). My point about mainlanders paying for expats was that mainland *passengers* would not pay more for their tickets for a gweilo cockpit crew. 3) AMU does rule 100% (even VIVA Macau which is non-subsidiary), because it has the monopoly concession and is totally in bed with the regulator. ie if AMU does not want it, they can make your life bloody hard for a long time (just ask Cebu - whoops
)4) Air Macau said it would not compete with low-cost given its structural high cost (read low-brained
) base. Thats why it left SIN, KUL, only does Manila 4x/wk with no service, and Bangkok at a crazy time to keep its Korean agents happy. To be fair, Air Asia and Tiger are strong competitors. So they decided to set up a loco to compete on a level playing field..... or should I say to appease the politicians to add more routes meanwhile sharing the losses with partners (Stanley wants the pax in his Casinos, and probably cares little about airline profitability). MAX can only work if it has a large and shiny new fleet bought for a big discount (oops), or it is highly integrated into the parent to share many costs. Sadly, I fear it will be a loss leader for Stanley Ho, and the cheapest way to keep the politicians quiet for AMU.I didnt think I would ever say this, but if you are already rated I would join the parent company first - esp since the pro-Brazilian movement has probably ended and 3 Captains have left within the last month.
ps I know sensible people who were hired by the MAX Chief Pilot, even relocated their families to Macau, only to be told on arrival that they were not expected there
(they got in, just, eventually...). He's a nice guy, but he is sly. So be careful you have it absolutely clearly in writing before you do anything. You have been warned.
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Aha! Arrowhead back on song! That is a good thoughtful post, and certainly sound advice. However there are a couple of points worth making:
1. The aircraft according to Air Castle are a signed and delivered lease agreement -first aircraft delivered to MAX in late December.
2. I have seen the contract - it is based on 17 Duty Periods per month average over the year - i.e. work 204 duty periods and you get the loot. The guarantee is for a minimum of 10.
3. I think all concerned in the smoke filled rooms are having second thoughts about head to head competition - not something that is fashionable in Macao! If Air Macau and MAX do end up in bed together then it will be a marriage made in commercial hell, but you never know, it might be good for the pilots employed by both companies.
4. NX or MAX - don't know. You pay your money and you take your choice.
5. Not sure to whom the Chief Pilot bit relates - MAX appears to have two CP! One is VPO designate when the current Head of Operations disappears into the sunset (and is ex NX), the other is CP designate. They are as far as I know the only pilots currently there so not sure about the story of guys arriving to find no job!
6. I agree that the casinos generally, not just Stanley, could not care less how the people get to Macao, as long as they get there and lose their money. That is good news for survival if not for operational discipline.
Hailer
1. The aircraft according to Air Castle are a signed and delivered lease agreement -first aircraft delivered to MAX in late December.
2. I have seen the contract - it is based on 17 Duty Periods per month average over the year - i.e. work 204 duty periods and you get the loot. The guarantee is for a minimum of 10.
3. I think all concerned in the smoke filled rooms are having second thoughts about head to head competition - not something that is fashionable in Macao! If Air Macau and MAX do end up in bed together then it will be a marriage made in commercial hell, but you never know, it might be good for the pilots employed by both companies.
4. NX or MAX - don't know. You pay your money and you take your choice.
5. Not sure to whom the Chief Pilot bit relates - MAX appears to have two CP! One is VPO designate when the current Head of Operations disappears into the sunset (and is ex NX), the other is CP designate. They are as far as I know the only pilots currently there so not sure about the story of guys arriving to find no job!
6. I agree that the casinos generally, not just Stanley, could not care less how the people get to Macao, as long as they get there and lose their money. That is good news for survival if not for operational discipline.
Hailer
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1) I have only seen this: http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:...lnk&cd=7&gl=uk which says LOI not full contract
2) Then expect 10 (or less) for some initial period of time (several months), do not expect 17.
5) VS (ex NX DFO) is who I was referring to
6) True. And operating performance has never really had any impact on NX bonuses.
Has anyone even been indicated a start date yet?
2) Then expect 10 (or less) for some initial period of time (several months), do not expect 17.
5) VS (ex NX DFO) is who I was referring to
6) True. And operating performance has never really had any impact on NX bonuses.
Has anyone even been indicated a start date yet?
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Clarification (maybe?)
Ausflyer,
Yeah - considering they are only a potential start up, they seem to have a pretty convoluted organisation!
CN IS the "CP - designate". The other fellow - VS is the current CP but is the "VPO Designate". There is at the moment another player - FH (ex KA retiree) who is there currently to act as an advisor during the start up, as Head of Operations but leaves at the end of October. Then the final organisation will be VS - VPO; CN - CP.
LCC are supposed to have flat organisations and easy access to the decision makers! Apparently they have also appointed a COO and a CCO reporting to the CEO (all ex KA). At least they will have a big legacy airline organisation if nothing else! I am sure that Kelleher, Fernandez and O'Leary must be trembling with fear to discover they were wrong all these years!
However, from the practical point of view it should still be a reasonably secure job for pilots if the shareholders sort the politics out.
Hailer
Yeah - considering they are only a potential start up, they seem to have a pretty convoluted organisation!
CN IS the "CP - designate". The other fellow - VS is the current CP but is the "VPO Designate". There is at the moment another player - FH (ex KA retiree) who is there currently to act as an advisor during the start up, as Head of Operations but leaves at the end of October. Then the final organisation will be VS - VPO; CN - CP.
LCC are supposed to have flat organisations and easy access to the decision makers! Apparently they have also appointed a COO and a CCO reporting to the CEO (all ex KA). At least they will have a big legacy airline organisation if nothing else! I am sure that Kelleher, Fernandez and O'Leary must be trembling with fear to discover they were wrong all these years!
However, from the practical point of view it should still be a reasonably secure job for pilots if the shareholders sort the politics out.
Hailer
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With Chinese and Portuguese involved, there can only be too many managers doing nothing but having very long unproductive meetings...
I just hope the Aussies can make something of it...
I just hope the Aussies can make something of it...
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The issue is not Colin N. The issue is VS. He is not a bad guy, he just never tells you how it really is - he is the master of spin. I have had 30 minute conversations and been left wondering what he actually said. So if it is not written down, dont believe it.
You must be prepared for the training and flying not to start until other issues get resolved. "Next week" may be repeated to you every week until they get resolved (possibly months, if at all), since this is how he has operated before.
Living in Macau is cheaper than HK since your accomodation can be done for as little as HKD7k per month, up to HK$15k for a nice 2000sq ft appartment with a view (versus over 50k in HK). Local stuff is the same price, but foreign food/dink is cheaper. Virtually no tax on booze!
You must be prepared for the training and flying not to start until other issues get resolved. "Next week" may be repeated to you every week until they get resolved (possibly months, if at all), since this is how he has operated before.
Living in Macau is cheaper than HK since your accomodation can be done for as little as HKD7k per month, up to HK$15k for a nice 2000sq ft appartment with a view (versus over 50k in HK). Local stuff is the same price, but foreign food/dink is cheaper. Virtually no tax on booze!
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Environmental danger or human ineptitude? Be cautious!
Hongkongfooey,
Not sure if perfidious humans are not more of a danger to potential MAX pilots than the air quality! The pollution in Macau is certainly no worse than the majority of places in HKG (certainly the ones that pilots can afford to life in nowadays!).
There are still disturbing rumours about delays in issuing pilot contracts and of ongoing political manoeuvring (mostly involving unenlightened self interest and an unseemly scramble for power!).
At least one of the MAX board has "form" in this respect, and a pusillanimous senior management may not be entirely in control.
I would certainly want to see a contract (whether from NX or MAX makes no difference) before I resigned from my current job and told my current CP where to stick his aircraft!
Hailer
Not sure if perfidious humans are not more of a danger to potential MAX pilots than the air quality! The pollution in Macau is certainly no worse than the majority of places in HKG (certainly the ones that pilots can afford to life in nowadays!).
There are still disturbing rumours about delays in issuing pilot contracts and of ongoing political manoeuvring (mostly involving unenlightened self interest and an unseemly scramble for power!).
At least one of the MAX board has "form" in this respect, and a pusillanimous senior management may not be entirely in control.
I would certainly want to see a contract (whether from NX or MAX makes no difference) before I resigned from my current job and told my current CP where to stick his aircraft!
Hailer
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You were warned. And I'll say it again. Dont believe "next week" means that until you actually see a piece of paper.
My guess for pilot start dates is still "next year, maybe Q2". Remember they still have no aircraft to base check you on, so you cannot complete your local licence. Use NX's aircraft? Mmmmm, depends on the politics, and MAX's declaration of destintations without NX approval may have screwed that.
On the routes, I still cant see how the politics are going to play out. You have
a) the Hos who want to fly anywhere asap to get pax into casinos
b) NX - the only company in Macau set to report lower revenues and higher losses this year (despite the fastest economy growing economy in the world at 40% GDP growth) - bad face, so no chance TPE, KHH, PEK, PVG, ICN, Japan
c) Beijing who is becoming anti-casino and whose recently appointed COO must be concluding these aircraft would be better placed for Air China by wet leasing all but 2 aircraft out of PEK
So for routes, my guess is still 2nd tier China (aka no profits, load factors) with LCC competitive routes (aka no profits)
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Very interesting. Anybody spot what has gone missing?
All the destinations. Rumours continue that relations with NX hit a new low. Oops.
Also March launch date. Means aircraft arrive Jan, AOC (requires aircraft) in Feb, proving flight end Feb, launch March. I reckon you'll get asked to start in mid Feb - assuming the AOC and proving flight go swimmingly and things dont slip further.
All the destinations. Rumours continue that relations with NX hit a new low. Oops.
Also March launch date. Means aircraft arrive Jan, AOC (requires aircraft) in Feb, proving flight end Feb, launch March. I reckon you'll get asked to start in mid Feb - assuming the AOC and proving flight go swimmingly and things dont slip further.
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Can anyone out there please shed some light on details of T&C with that new establishment.. Is medical insurance for family provided? What about schooling allowances? Taxes? How much does one need for living say a family with two kids normal life style.
Regards,
Johny.
Regards,
Johny.
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I know the parent company only offers medical to the employee and not the family. And even that cover is pathetically low unless you want to be treated by a local witch doctor (you go to HK or BKK if you are really ill).
Similarly no schooling allowances, and school fees can be anything from free (once you get residency) to USD8000/yr (see http://www.skhps.edu.mo and http://www.tis.edu.mo). Aussie school also coming next year.
Tax is ~5% on income, no VAT/GST, 7% on booze, 0% on savings and investments. Further cuts possible.
MOP50k/month is enough for you all to have a good lifestyle. Helper costs USD400-600/month for full time six days a week incl babysitting, and worth doing.
If you are already typed, I suggest you contact Air Macau (who is recruiting) since I am hearing that the whole project may be in jeopardy due political and managerial problems.
Similarly no schooling allowances, and school fees can be anything from free (once you get residency) to USD8000/yr (see http://www.skhps.edu.mo and http://www.tis.edu.mo). Aussie school also coming next year.
Tax is ~5% on income, no VAT/GST, 7% on booze, 0% on savings and investments. Further cuts possible.
MOP50k/month is enough for you all to have a good lifestyle. Helper costs USD400-600/month for full time six days a week incl babysitting, and worth doing.
If you are already typed, I suggest you contact Air Macau (who is recruiting) since I am hearing that the whole project may be in jeopardy due political and managerial problems.
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Latest on joining delay
Arrowhead,
Not sure if all your pessimism is entirely correct, but undoubtedly Macau Express (if that is this month's name) are doing little to refute such views. The first two aircraft are to be handed over by ANA in December and January. The crew Transition Training is due to commence in November, and I am informed the courses are booked. The first crews were due to arrive next week for indoctrination and exams. Macau Express will not make their long trumpeted start date if the crews do not join in the next two weeks (the pilots are not type rated).
However the big doubt remains resolution of what is clearly emerging as a sizeable punch up between Macau Express and Air Macau with Air China acting as the cheerleader. Clearly none of these organisations are particularly aware or caring about the effect their very public spat is having on current staff and the pilots due to join whose start date has been delayed. Macau is even more awash than usual with rumour, counter rumour and character assassinations!
I have been given a copy of a "personal" message from one of the Macau Express management to the pilots offered positions (see below) - it leaves lots of questions open. However, if the crews do end up as part of Air Macau that may not be a bad option for them and their long term security.
The message reads:
"Gentlemen,
I have met many of you during the Macau Express interview process - and for those that I have not met, I am the Head of Operations and Safety.
Undoubtedly all of you will be concerned, and particularly those due to start in the next week, that you have not had final joining instructions and a final Contract of Employment.
Unfortunately we are having some bureaucratic problems, not unusual in start up situations. I can assure you that we are working very hard to resolve the issues, and I believe we are near a solution. It may, unfortunately translate into a starting date delay for those of you due to commence on 10th October of about two weeks.
I am writing to you in a personal capacity for two reasons - firstly because I am fully aware of the anxiety created by a delay such as this for many of you, who may have given up current jobs (and I accept a degree of personal responsibility for encouraging you to join Macau Express). Secondly, until everything is resolved I am not free to express all my views in any"official" message.
For what it is worth I find the situation unacceptable, but that is little help to you. The one silver lining to the storm clouds is that I have been assured today by the COO that the company recognises that there is a commitment to employ the 18 people addressed in this letter, and I believe resolution of our problems is close.
The delay is being driven by Air China who own big chunks of both Macau Express and Air Macau either directly or indirectly, and they are anxious to see what harmonisation and co-operation they can between the operators. From your standpoint the major concern is, is this going to happen? I still strongly believe it is. Undoubtedly there is still a business case for the additional capacity; the aircraft are definitely coming (and soon); the casinos and hotels are built . In the worst case for you it probably boils down to whether your contract will be with Air Macau or Macau Express, and it probably matters little to you whether the terms are Macau Express Conditions of Service or Air Macau terms (indeed the Air Macau ones are marginally better).
There is still amongst the shareholders a strong desire to start service on 15th March and even they probably recognise they have to act quickly if we are to achieve that. Thus, I advise, whatever your first instincts are on reading this, do not abandon us yet! I am more than happy to give any of you as honest an answer as I can to personal queries - please use this email. You have my very sincere personal apologies for this uncertainty which will be hopefully resolved very quickly. Best regards,"
Only time will tell if his (subdued) optimism is justified, but what does seem to be clear is that this situation is not originating within Macau Express but being deliberately manufactured elsewhere. It beggars belief given that the two airlines have virtually the same shareholders!
Maybe they like intrigue more than money????
Maybe no one can remember what the reason was for starting a second airline in the first place????
Answers on a post card please!!
Watch this space!
Hailer
Not sure if all your pessimism is entirely correct, but undoubtedly Macau Express (if that is this month's name) are doing little to refute such views. The first two aircraft are to be handed over by ANA in December and January. The crew Transition Training is due to commence in November, and I am informed the courses are booked. The first crews were due to arrive next week for indoctrination and exams. Macau Express will not make their long trumpeted start date if the crews do not join in the next two weeks (the pilots are not type rated).
However the big doubt remains resolution of what is clearly emerging as a sizeable punch up between Macau Express and Air Macau with Air China acting as the cheerleader. Clearly none of these organisations are particularly aware or caring about the effect their very public spat is having on current staff and the pilots due to join whose start date has been delayed. Macau is even more awash than usual with rumour, counter rumour and character assassinations!
I have been given a copy of a "personal" message from one of the Macau Express management to the pilots offered positions (see below) - it leaves lots of questions open. However, if the crews do end up as part of Air Macau that may not be a bad option for them and their long term security.
The message reads:
"Gentlemen,
I have met many of you during the Macau Express interview process - and for those that I have not met, I am the Head of Operations and Safety.
Undoubtedly all of you will be concerned, and particularly those due to start in the next week, that you have not had final joining instructions and a final Contract of Employment.
Unfortunately we are having some bureaucratic problems, not unusual in start up situations. I can assure you that we are working very hard to resolve the issues, and I believe we are near a solution. It may, unfortunately translate into a starting date delay for those of you due to commence on 10th October of about two weeks.
I am writing to you in a personal capacity for two reasons - firstly because I am fully aware of the anxiety created by a delay such as this for many of you, who may have given up current jobs (and I accept a degree of personal responsibility for encouraging you to join Macau Express). Secondly, until everything is resolved I am not free to express all my views in any"official" message.
For what it is worth I find the situation unacceptable, but that is little help to you. The one silver lining to the storm clouds is that I have been assured today by the COO that the company recognises that there is a commitment to employ the 18 people addressed in this letter, and I believe resolution of our problems is close.
The delay is being driven by Air China who own big chunks of both Macau Express and Air Macau either directly or indirectly, and they are anxious to see what harmonisation and co-operation they can between the operators. From your standpoint the major concern is, is this going to happen? I still strongly believe it is. Undoubtedly there is still a business case for the additional capacity; the aircraft are definitely coming (and soon); the casinos and hotels are built . In the worst case for you it probably boils down to whether your contract will be with Air Macau or Macau Express, and it probably matters little to you whether the terms are Macau Express Conditions of Service or Air Macau terms (indeed the Air Macau ones are marginally better).
There is still amongst the shareholders a strong desire to start service on 15th March and even they probably recognise they have to act quickly if we are to achieve that. Thus, I advise, whatever your first instincts are on reading this, do not abandon us yet! I am more than happy to give any of you as honest an answer as I can to personal queries - please use this email. You have my very sincere personal apologies for this uncertainty which will be hopefully resolved very quickly. Best regards,"
Only time will tell if his (subdued) optimism is justified, but what does seem to be clear is that this situation is not originating within Macau Express but being deliberately manufactured elsewhere. It beggars belief given that the two airlines have virtually the same shareholders!
Maybe they like intrigue more than money????
Maybe no one can remember what the reason was for starting a second airline in the first place????
Answers on a post card please!!
Watch this space!
Hailer
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No wonder people are starting to walk out. I'll say it again, they will keep telling you "next week" until it happens or it flops. So take any guidance with a very large pinch of salt. Clearly the pilots start date has already been moved a long way, and I cannot believe Air China gives a stuff about delaying you further, or the launch date.
If it does cave in, I suspect the aircraft will be offered to Air Macau, who will reject them - if only because NX has a CEO that only cares about developing cargo and maintaining the Taiwan-China route (witness how much he has done over 4 years in the world's fastest growing economy).
Which means if you are typed I would personally call or email or visit NX DFO Capt Du to get ahead of the queue. Upgrades are going on, and rumours abound that upto 20 pilots will go in the new year. If you are not rated however, this could become painful if it does indeed cave in.
Hailer - some answers. As someone who has been here some time, I can guarantee you money is of little object to Air Macau or Air China - take a close look at the operations of both. Its about not losing money, rather than making it.
And the rationale for the airline is simple - its a conflict of interests:
- Air Macau: must be seen by the local politicians to be adding more destinations and frequencies (in line with the economy), or it face losing its monopoly. But it doesnt want the losses (they dont want to hurt their own mgmt bonuses) so it has created a start up JV to fly the routes that cant make money
- Local magnate Stanley Ho: wants more destinations and frequencies to China, to bring Chinese punters in to fill his casinos and hotels
- Beijing: is worried that Stanley would be successful. Gaming advertising is already banned on the mainland due to problem of corrupt local officials money laundering here. So Beijing is in control, but does not want flights to the mainland (oops, shouldnt have announced those MAX). And now it will want some face/respect back too, so the bureaucratic machine will slow to an appropriate speed to remind people who is in control.
- MAX mgmt: has been unbelieveably stupid and took a very blase approach, and has upset everyone by declaring destinations that NX and Beijing clearly dont want them to have, before speaking to them.
Which leaves you with a senior mgmt team that probably has to go (but wasnt it good pay while it lasted boys?), aircraft that are coming too quickly for the politics to be resolved, and if it survives, an airline with aircraft that can only compete on existing LCC non-China routes, where it cant make money.
I really hope for all concerned that this gets resolved in 2 weeks, but I have been around for too long to be anything other than cynical. 2 weeks is the blink of an eye for people who rock up late to work, have a long lunch and nap, and knock off early - and do FA at their desks.
If it does cave in, I suspect the aircraft will be offered to Air Macau, who will reject them - if only because NX has a CEO that only cares about developing cargo and maintaining the Taiwan-China route (witness how much he has done over 4 years in the world's fastest growing economy).
Which means if you are typed I would personally call or email or visit NX DFO Capt Du to get ahead of the queue. Upgrades are going on, and rumours abound that upto 20 pilots will go in the new year. If you are not rated however, this could become painful if it does indeed cave in.
Hailer - some answers. As someone who has been here some time, I can guarantee you money is of little object to Air Macau or Air China - take a close look at the operations of both. Its about not losing money, rather than making it.
And the rationale for the airline is simple - its a conflict of interests:
- Air Macau: must be seen by the local politicians to be adding more destinations and frequencies (in line with the economy), or it face losing its monopoly. But it doesnt want the losses (they dont want to hurt their own mgmt bonuses) so it has created a start up JV to fly the routes that cant make money
- Local magnate Stanley Ho: wants more destinations and frequencies to China, to bring Chinese punters in to fill his casinos and hotels
- Beijing: is worried that Stanley would be successful. Gaming advertising is already banned on the mainland due to problem of corrupt local officials money laundering here. So Beijing is in control, but does not want flights to the mainland (oops, shouldnt have announced those MAX). And now it will want some face/respect back too, so the bureaucratic machine will slow to an appropriate speed to remind people who is in control.
- MAX mgmt: has been unbelieveably stupid and took a very blase approach, and has upset everyone by declaring destinations that NX and Beijing clearly dont want them to have, before speaking to them.
Which leaves you with a senior mgmt team that probably has to go (but wasnt it good pay while it lasted boys?), aircraft that are coming too quickly for the politics to be resolved, and if it survives, an airline with aircraft that can only compete on existing LCC non-China routes, where it cant make money.
I really hope for all concerned that this gets resolved in 2 weeks, but I have been around for too long to be anything other than cynical. 2 weeks is the blink of an eye for people who rock up late to work, have a long lunch and nap, and knock off early - and do FA at their desks.