In my view the crucial problem for all (newer) expat pilots based in HKG, with any of the carriers that don't have 'housing' is the inability to get on the property ladder.

The non perm. resident stamp duty and 50% deposit rule with the current prices makes thing impossible to even look at. Which brings you to renting, long term.

And then you have 3 kids and need a big place to not go crazy and you find yourself financially independent years later than should be necessary with this job and these payscales.

So it's not all about the company, the government system is fundamentally causing newer expat pilots to be part of the have nots in Hong Kong. From here, everyone makes their own bed in my view. If you can hack it, stay, if it's not worth it .. leave, commute? I don't have the answer and everyone will solve it in their own way.

QANTAS pilots don't have to live in the middle of Sydney (I could not think of anything worse, apart from HKG). The QF pilot will not be a 737 FO for ever. He is under First World labour law and breathing clean air. He can bid onto other bases, live on a farm or in a small country town, as many do now, where prices are very affordable. From what I hear, QF staff travel is quite good. A good many CX boys and girls have already voted with their feet.

Your analogy is quite bizarre. Enjoy the smog.

Anotherday. We get it, you are from management and are desperate to try and undermine the anger and frustration of the CX pilot group. Regardless, your arguments are specious, laughable and help make the point that our management are clueless as to the mindset of the pilots. Keep thrashing around at the periphery of the discussion, and know that at best, you just add some contrast that helps clarify the points that the rest of us are trying to make. :D

And just for the sake of clarity, I am not saying a new joiner FO needs to be able to afford a big flat in a prime real estate location in down town Hong Kong.

My point is that, at least for the first 7 years, with the regulations that are in place, a new joiner FO is condemned to paying off someone elses mortgage. Despite easily being able to afford one on his own on a monthly basis.

He is essentially blocked from the market. This is completely unrelated to actual salary paid and as you could read in my post, it goes for all airlines in Hong Kong. That was the issue I was raising.

Anotherday. Never have I come across a regular contributor so transparently and obviously management. We get enough of your type of drivel every friday in the Flyer. Please, do yourself a favour and stop embarrassing yourself. :hmm: