Exit Strategy
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: NYC
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: the land of chocolate
Posts: 440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: HK-CRoC
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: one country, one system
Age: 55
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: HK-CRoC
Posts: 749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When ?
Only half a speed-brake
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...
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
Have any pilots absconded yet down line and just gone back to their home country?
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Wan Chai
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HK isn't as bad as Qatar when it comes to the trapping of individuals. It's always possible to come back pack up properly without having to ditch outport and tell the wife to pack her bags.