Obviously, this spells the opening of a NYC base if the USAOA passes their TA. Actually, with or without the TA this will likely happen. If they can pay HKG pilots overtime to fly to New York, then they certainly can afford to pay US pilots the same overtime (at a cheaper rate) to fly between JFK and HKG. They don't even need averaging over two months! However, there is never any harm in asking. The problem is that you now have one group willing to work for blatantly less than another group, and happy to do it.

....and that is why they are only hiring DEFOs onto the bus and queen.

Actually, CX already informed the USAOA that a NYC base will not happen for at least 2 years until the CMP is online, as it is impossible for them to integrate the new EFP rules for NYC into the old IT system. The NYC LOU expires after 365 days if no NYC vacancies offered and is up for re-negotiation.

Flex is right. SOs straight in the right hand seat. Done. Problem solved. Three man Europe, two SOs and a captain. Total flight experience on the flight deck, 10,000 if the captain has 9,600.

So I'm in a position to "possibly" Consider applying for a Defo position if this comes to fruition. Is it really that bad ie. money vs lifestyle as opposed to what you get in Australia (awful rostering, expensive to live and raped in taxation)?

Primarily I'm looking at a change. Can't do 4 sector days every day for the rest of my life. Wouldn't mind seeing some places around the world either before I kick the bucket.

Anyone care to give an honest opinion of what it's actually like to work there?
PRO's and cons. I have a few mates there, They have divided opinions about the job. Some love it, some are considering leaving. :)

And for what it's worth I've worked at a few different airlines. I know how management roll and it would seem it's the same everywhere.

do you have a family to support? Also just remember that your mates most likely are B scale with housing, you will never be even close to their financial position if you come here

CX is two, maybe three, different airlines. There is the 777 and the Airbus / 747. The 777 is mostly good with long haul flying (few PF sectors) and decent time off due to the efficient nature of the flying. The Airbus is a disaster, lots of sectors, redeyes, some medium haul, but mostly crap with very few days off. Yes, the A350 will improve things over time but I don't think junior crew will see much of it once all are qualified to fly it. The 747 is, mostly, a nightmare. Long trips, lots of roster changes, circadian swaps, two man flying, etc. There is very little good about it aside from lots of PF sectors and not having to interact with CX cabin crew and passengers. Living in HK sucks. The air is beyond unhealthy and a everything is overpriced except cabs and public transport. If you enjoy the outdoors, HK is a death trap. Aside from decent hiking on days when the air is breathable and the heat is not overwhelming (very infrequent to get both), there is nothing to do. If you enjoy malls, bars, and restaurants; HK is great if the high prices don't bother you.

No family, single, early 30's and I guess yeah I do like the outdoors :)

I'm keen to do a bit of travelling but the "idea" would be that I commute back to Aus during time off - whether that's practical or not remains to be seen.

Based on what I've been told about the Airbus 330 lifestyle I would not take a position on that fleet, not to sound like a **** but absolutely everybody has warned to avoid it at all costs.

I'm going to visit HK later this year and have a look around.

you don't get to choose your fleet.
Friend wth 16 years seniority couldn't get on flight last 3 days to oz.
had to buy full fare. Remember 20,000 staff ahead of you on staff travel.

commuting is difficult to oz.

You will not have a choice in what fleet you end up on, by the time you know what you will be flying it will be too late as you won't know for certain until you get the piece of paper on your first day. If it is the airbus you will be doing regional for a veery long time and if you are on the freighter you will definitely wish you were back home doing 4 sectors a day. Why come to HK if you are planning to commute straight away? Staff travel is becoming harder and harder, remember there will be around 3300 pilots ahead of you on the seniority list (including new join SOs) who will get on a flight before you. Also from Jan 2017 dragonair pilots will have same staff travel privileges as cathay pilots so you can add another 500 or so to that list. Commuting will definitely take its toll and not something you can plan to do for the next 30 years of your career. The money may be better than what you are on now as a single guy but as soon as you decide you want a family you will once again wish you were back in AUS. Just trying to get your kid on to a list to get in a school (not even the school fees themselves) will cost you thousands of dollars. Forget about owning your own home either, just not possible unless you decide to buy a 200 square foot studio in the middle of no where. Just remember you want be receiving a housing allowance to purchase a property so it just can't be done. Think long and hard before you come here, and just coming for a visit to check it out will not prepare you.

I guess what I was saying is that if I was offered a position at cx on the A330 fleet I would
not take the job, I would stay put. At this stage it is all hypothetical. It would come down to what package was offered ie housing etc and what fleet. I have been told when offered a contract it would specify the fleet? Up to me if I want to sign it.

Whether the Defo thing happens and if I can even get an interview/get The job is another maybe. At this stage im just trying to gain some perspective on it.

Appreciate all the input guys.

No housing will be offered unfortunately, just HKPA but that will not come close to covering rent, expat benefits won't return. In all honesty your fleet will potentially still be up in the air even if they tell you. Nothing is 100% until you turn up on the first day and find out. Things change so quickly in this company that their requirements change on a daily basis

MajorLemond,

Don't pay too much attention with what people are saying in these forums about HK and CX. Just because a few guys are pissed off and angry at their HK existance, doesn't mean it will apply to you.

If you do come to Cathay, you will be significantly better off, pay less tax and quiet likely have more days off than your regional job in OZ. It's what you make of it... You being in your early 30's and single, living as an expat pilot in HK has the potential to make life quiet interesting and fun. HK is a great city to meet other propfesional expats and the socialising, wining and dining scene is lively.

Coming here and having a look for yourself if this is what you want is the best way to approach it. Don't let anyone tell you how **** life is here and how much you will hate it!

Maybe see you on the line soon!
Cheers
CP

CP - Your remarks all sound very reasonable and some will ignore the whirlwind of discontent and 'give it a go'. Coming to Hong Kong has always involved a significant culture shock for Westerners whether it be the climate, pollution or simply culture itself.
Most expats come with a package that will address the biggest factor of all which is the cost of living here. Without decent housing you will be a permanent second class citizen forever begrudging what others have and you don't. Enjoy the expat nights in LKF but don't buy a round because you won't be able to afford it. You'll never buy a house or a boat or even a car. Add to that, the continual attack from a venal, anti- aircrew so-called Management and you don't have much to come here for so -
DON'T.

I think you're on HKPA of 15-18k as a DEFO.

Look here

http://www.okay.com/en/property-search/rent/

Divide the square footage by 10 to get approximate square meters, that'll put it into perspective!

RECRUITMENT WILL DEFINITELY BE ON EXPAT TERMS!!!!
IF THAT IS WHAT IS DEMANDED BY FOLK JOINING..
They are depirate, we've all worked out butts off for this leverage.
RECRUITMENT BAND FOR HKPA DEFO, but ALLOW EXPAT TERMS.
Who is in serious need right now?

CX can no longer hire on expat terms, it'll open them up to discrimination.

The only thing they can do is hire on HKPA that matches expat terms.

Major,

The letters going the rounds are showing positions on the 747 or A330 only. These are the fleets with the most training sectors.

You will not start in HKG, it will be in Adelaide to do your licence conversion. You can only start after you have given proof you have resigned from your previous position. You will get paid around $100 a week in Adelaide with food and board provided.

You will sign a bond for your training at around HK$500,000, that bond disappears after 6 years.

After finishing Adelaide people are being delayed starting in HKG doing their simulator training, I have heard in excess of 6 months for some people on the 747 this year.

You have the information.

and you will not be paid if there are delays

Just be prepared to be treated like any other mainland Chinese carrier

SWH

Where do you get the idea that DEFO have to go to Adelaide, the licence conversion can be done here in HKG, it was that way in the past.