Is the grass really greener? Perspectives from an escapee.
 

After spending nearly 13 years at CX, I can say without hesitation that leaving has been the best thing I have ever done. I would consider myself someone who had it relatively good at CX with regards to my overall experience and "success" with the company. I say "success" with the utmost disdain towards the twisted and dysfunctional ways that company has. All in all I am grateful for my experience there as it has afforded me opportunities that would have likely not been realized considering the state of the industry when I joined. However, it is much easier for me to say now that I am no longer a part of that world.

To those on the fence about leaving

The money is not worth it. Ive taken an enormous pay cut on an already strained budget, but I made it work and its been the best thing for the long term. Your possessions are possessing you!
The sleep IS worth it. There is no amount of money that will make up for the loss of sleep and its associated problems. NTM, the world is much better looking in the daylight (but not some of the hosties)
Flying is FUN again and not FEARED. Big brother is watching yes, but he's not going to take my pay, seat or career because the speed got a bit high.
Control of your life. I cannot describe what a difference this will make.

For those who are thinking about joining.

There is nothing I can say that Trafalgar has not said. Read his posts over, and over again. And then read them some more. There are a few others who also post the utter truth. Be warned.

Like I said, I had it very good. Cat A'd, B scale, offered a WB command. AND I STILL LEFT!!

To the lifers at CX who do the right thing; good luck to you and I hate what the despicable management has done to your careers.

To those who have undermined the good guys; may you rot with the management.

Good info and very true.

Thank you for posting what you did.

'Your possessions are possessing you'

I think that very good and sage advice. For me the key has always been are you happy and grateful at what you are doing and how are you spending your time--which to me is the most precious resource in life. I think people sometimes feel trapped or they are stuck (which isn't true) and I'm glad your new career is working out well.

Looking back to the turn of the century when I was there, very fair comment.
TF I didn't spend my whole civil career there.

CX ex. Thank you for a succinct description of the 'bigger picture'. I have spent my whole career here, and it has turned into the biggest regret of my life. It's hard to accept that a company I have devoted my entire professional career to does not value me, lies to me, threatens me, abuses me through rostering, cheats me with staff travel, steals from me with unpaid bonuses and inadequate pay raises and generally wouldn't care if I was hit by a bus tomorrow. The only satisfaction I get is in the effort I expend in warning the more junior pilots here, or the ones considering coming that there are much better and happier career choices. CX is toxic and they do not deserve the aircrew they have. The worst management in the modern airline business. Twenty plus years of this nonsense has given me the right to speak out. Hopefully, most who read my words will find a happier outcome.

Today is a sad day for me as I have responded to a job offer. I am one of the 2007 hire and yes Cat A. 11 years in CX and I never thought I was going to leave. Management must be very happy as a lot of senior FO's are looking elsewhere.
Just like CX ex I will make it work financially. I know I will enjoy flying again. All the best chaps.

Dear South African Airways pilots: please read this.

I left last year after more than 10,
less money,
less P fund,
More tax
No housing,
No education,
No Command.
NO REGRETS, AT ALL, NOT ONE !
I only wish I could have left sooner. & I was B scale on full housing !
The whole place is TOXIC

I've left and not looked back.

It was a hard decision to make, all the time I kept hoping things would improve. Throwing it all away and starting again was not a easy.

Once the decision was made and I left this institution behind, a world of frustration, paranoia, anger and resentment was lifted from me.

Blue skies, a family home, an employer who sees me and a natural sleep cycle all welcomed me on the other side of the door.

The best decision I ever made. To correct the worst.

Perspectives from another escapee.

I resigned twice during my time with CX. The first was from the Check & Training Dept, the other from the company.

Putting pen to paper will most likely do two things for you.

Firstly, you will realise that for the first time in your CX experience, you will have taken control of your destiny. The sense of relief is truly enormous, and will bring a smile to your face.

Secondly, time will not pass quickly enough until your last day.

I have not looked back. The feeling of wellbeing continues to this day, four years on.

Having quit some time ago I can back up 22N’s post wholeheartedly: The feeling of utter relief on wheels up out of CLK is hard to put into words. Best thing I ever did in aviation, second best thing was when I joined CX, so proud to have joined what I then considered as one of, if not the best airline in the world...

I'm in the midst of my preparation for signing up for the cadet program but after reading these posts, it's made me think again. What's the situation over on KA? Are they the same in how they treat their staff and contract details?

No expert on Cx, although I do have friends
and family members that have worked for them
in the past and present


I was always curious regarding the system of placing
pilots in ‘categories’ based on perceived ability ?


No other airline I know does this and I wonder
how fairly this has been applied over the years



It seems custom built for abuse if management
can act on bias by limiting career progression

Stilton, everything in this place is custom built for abuse by management.

Stilton
 

Trafalgar is exactly correct, right down to the CX cafeteria in the HQ to the coffee and vending machines..

stilton

Yes it is abused. But we have a limp d%#k pilot group who allows itself to be abused.
That is also why they hate bases. This is just a huge lawsuit waiting to happen.

I left several years ago after a many years there.
It was and still remains a sad excuse for an airline

Left CX on the 5th Jan 2009. 4.5 years after joining. We were 6 Sandwich Officers in Adelaide class. 2 left within the first two years, 2 of us left slightly later. Two are still with the company. I still have friends there and nobody is truly happy and never were. It's just an existence... However Ladies and Gents, just know that all of a sudden you'll (hopefully) turn 60 and retire and then it's all to late to change. You got to make the right decisions while you can - and don't ever be afraid of letting go of Cathay! It's NOT a great place to be - and for anyone who once had the love for flying - go!

stilton

CX has taken a department that usually serves a simple yet vitally important utilitarian role at most normal airlines and has managed to weaponize and politicize it. At CX "training" is rarely training at all, as enough that can't fly here train, and those that can't train, check. In this regard it is truly a 'you are up there because we are down here airline.' This integral function normally intended for your benefit elsewhere, is often used for their own nefarious reasons ranging from the desperate need for ego enhancement to retribution. There are and have been many exceptions, those that are okay with themselves and want you to succeed, but a disproportionate amount of ready and willing gold plated arses as compared to most companies have always inhabited this department at CX. The damage and destruction done to many careers over the years for frivolous and petty reasons could fill a book. Their antics are one of the most commonly discussed topics enroute.

Don't worry folks, I don't think any pilots from SAA will be joining CX. Extremely low turn out at the road show