CX new hire Airbus DEFO europe stopping from next year
 

Just got a call from recruitment to tell me they are not offering DEFO airbus europe bases any more from next year and so offering me a FO cargo option.
Firstly can any one shed some light on the change of policy as it seems they are still offering that for Oz bases; secondly is it worth me opting for the cargo FO instead or take a SO HKG option or skip CX all together? I have 5k total time...2k bus time - both big and small.

Europe is going to be a Boeing area. 777 and 400's. Australia is a 330 area.

If you want to live in Europe one day skip CX all together. There are so few command bases available that you will never be able to hold seniority to be based at home. So unless you want to live in HKG for life look somewhere else.

I'd reckon it's as simple as they've filled the AMS base with FO's for the bus. Don't bank on command in less than 20 years without moving to HKG and have a good look at how HKG's pollution levels have increased in the last 10 years. I can only see it getting worse. Rumour is 29 based FO's have elected not to return to HKG for command in the last couple of months, something unheard of untill now. I'm guessing guys can't justify uprootinging there family's and moving them back to HKG (and it's crap air) for the package. Can't comment on the frieghter as I choose to ignore it.

The freighter offers some options. Bases in Europe, NA, HKG, and SYD. As the classic gets phased out the 400F offers the ability to relocate based on openings and will grow @ 7 more planes and possible conversions based on need.

It's actually true : If you want a command you will have to go on a Hong Kong base, since you won't have the seniority for a pax cmd for at least 20 years in Europe. The freighter is an alternative, but note the significant difference in pay, conditions and, especially, rostering/ days off etc.

If you decide on a base, be aware of major changes regarding taxation end of this year. CX will deduct local (e.g. British) tax direct from you !

Why come back to HKG?
 

At current exchange rates an SFO6 on UK base earns >$95K HKD per month and aussie >$85K HKD per month.

If they wait for a based command, they will get >$122K, >$110K HKD respectively.

So these guys are looking at a pretax pay rise of 3%/12% if they move to HKG and pass their command! I am of course ignoring tax, 13th month, expat benefits, pollution etc.

I think the first 'onshoring' is planned for April 08(UK) and then the rest will follow over a year or two.

It seems that the opportunity to obtain a base is now closing. How will this change the desirability of a career with CX? I think many people will now have to reassess their plans. If you want to live at home, a local carrier now seems the best (only!) option. How much more will CX have to offer to make staying seem worthwhile?