Exit Strategy
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: UK
I left in 2019, after 30+ years in the airline. I joined in the late 80's, as a FO on the Classic ! It's bittersweet to look back now. At the time of joining, it was arguably the best airline career for a pilot in the entire world. The airline went out of their way to demonstrate that you (and your family) were valued and important. I remember my wife and I being flown out in First Class to HK for the second interview. Three days in HK, all expenses paid. A limo to take us of a tour of housing, dinner with the senior management, cocktail parties and a tour of the Kai Tak facilities. There was no question it was a definite "yes" if they offered a position.
Well, over 30 years later, the airline is unrecognisable. It is now probably one of the worst working environments in the industry, and the management seems to treat their pilots with almost utter contempt. The worst people have risen to the top (I do not consider MH to be one of those, but that is a personal opinion). CX management (and Swires) lost sight of what made their airline special. Bean counter mentalities overtook a previously firm appreciation of the contributions of their staff. We are now left with watching a once magnificent airline descend towards oblivion.
I accept I am no longer there to witness first hand the inner workings (although have many friends who inform me of the day to day). I pray for those remaining that the management come to their senses and recognise the only way forward is to recognise that the attitudes and policies of the past were what made CX successful. Time to throw away petty prejudices against aircrew and restore their pay, benefits and dignity.
Well, over 30 years later, the airline is unrecognisable. It is now probably one of the worst working environments in the industry, and the management seems to treat their pilots with almost utter contempt. The worst people have risen to the top (I do not consider MH to be one of those, but that is a personal opinion). CX management (and Swires) lost sight of what made their airline special. Bean counter mentalities overtook a previously firm appreciation of the contributions of their staff. We are now left with watching a once magnificent airline descend towards oblivion.
I accept I am no longer there to witness first hand the inner workings (although have many friends who inform me of the day to day). I pray for those remaining that the management come to their senses and recognise the only way forward is to recognise that the attitudes and policies of the past were what made CX successful. Time to throw away petty prejudices against aircrew and restore their pay, benefits and dignity.
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: NYC
From what I have read, most who have left comment in a positive light, generally along the lines of "life is better, I'm much happier, I'm glad I left & my new company is a better place to work" etc, having stepped away from the toxic management and culture of CX I believe most are encouraging their old colleagues to consider an alternative that is energetic and rewarding. I fail to see how that is a bad or negative thing.
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Planet Earth
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 794
Likes: 297
From: sierra village
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 451
Likes: 6
From: the land of chocolate
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 381
Likes: 7
From: CLK
Sadly, I do not think they will “increase the package” for those already indentured, they will hire direct entry CN/FO on contracts, a’la the glorious China jobs that attracted expats. CX don’t want too many pesky permanent career pilots!
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: UK
Sadly, I do not think they will “increase the package” for those already indentured, they will hire direct entry CN/FO on contracts, a’la the glorious China jobs that attracted expats. CX don’t want too many pesky permanent career pilots!
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: HK-CRoC
Really ??
Firstly I sympathise with CX pilots. But why leave? I’d be milking it til it ended. If you leave early you may miss a generous redundancy. Think my last year at KA approached 4 mil for a few hundred hours when you included the payout. That’s October 2019 to October 2020.
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 504
Likes: 1
From: one country, one system
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 8
From: 43N
Hong Kong may continue covid isolation until 2024
https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/22...risking-exodus
https://www.bangkokpost.com/world/22...risking-exodus
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: HK-CRoC
When ?
Only half a speed-brake
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 136
From: Commuting not home
HKCAD rated A320 with Pilot in Command Time on the aircraft.
ASAP, various bases in mainland China
ICAO ELP 4 + fluent Mandarin
Which airline, any guesses? The CAE job posting keeps that hidden. Interesting to see a targeted headhunt...
ASAP, various bases in mainland China
ICAO ELP 4 + fluent Mandarin
Which airline, any guesses? The CAE job posting keeps that hidden. Interesting to see a targeted headhunt...
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: UK
Sadly, I do not think they will “increase the package” for those already indentured, they will hire direct entry CN/FO on contracts, a’la the glorious China jobs that attracted expats. CX don’t want too many pesky permanent career pilots!
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
There are plenty of semi-retired/unemployed ex KA/CX pilots that would jump at a contract job.
Joined: Jul 2010
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 279
From: Asia
Have any pilots absconded yet down line and just gone back to their home country?