Bekol delay

In nearly 25 years here I've never had my overseas allowances taxed. They aren't reported nor are they required to be reported to the IRD. If you have self reported them then the mistake is on you or your tax agent/accountant.

TheFatViking

There is no "Housing Allowance" at CX anymore. It is called "Monthly Allowance" and can be used as you see fit. It is treated by the IRD as part of your salary and if you earn more than HK$200K per year after deductions, which as a pilot you do, will be taxed at 17%. If you use this allowance to pay for rent, you can claim "Rental Reimbursement" which reduces the tax to 10% on the portion used to pay rent.

Is there anyway of finding out what fleet a DEFO might be assigned to in 6 months time? Is there a course plan of some sorts?

unfortunately cathay and plan are two words that dont go together very well

How strict is CX on their PIC requirement? Have all the requirements plus 777/787 time but don’t meet the PIC requirements. Anyone gotten through without it? Thanks

Thanks for the info everyone!

Are they still conducting psychometric/aptitude testing for DESO? Just wondering when it’s conducted and what type of testing it is?

Thanks heaps!
Much appreciated!

Is the the same across the fleet? Any differences there?

FO salary is actually 52,000hkd a month before tax (+20,000hkd allowance)
Roughly 60,000hkd after tax.
If you fly a lot, you'll be paid more. On the 747, flying regional only, you will be on base salary for a few years.

Not true, you will be flying medium long haul, on the 747, regional is a bit vague.
The amount of hours per year has been pretty stable with the occasional up and down eg RQ FOs are earning more than CN1 at the moment, eventually will change and stabilise.
This is a dink or max one kid airline if you join now for the long run, that is what you need to be worried of. Great people on the flight deck but changing, toxic crew hating management.

Also be aware that lying is second nature to much of the management. You might be told you will join on one type then on arrival in HKG be put on another.

I know of two experienced Boeing pilots who quit their jobs, packed up and came to CX on the promise of flying the 777. On day one told they were going onto the 321. Quit that day and departed HKG that night.

Rejoining ex-Based FOs were told they would get rapid commands due to their very high experience levels. Hasn't happened.

What's the deal with paying back the training loan for these guys? I read that it started on employment commencement.

And this is the true beauty of this airline, lies and misleading commitments to lure candidates during a major issue (crisis) in crew recruitment.

The other great con is the handbook they employ you under. Today you might be able to predict what you are earning, but I will 'guarantee you to a tee' that this company through a Friday night FCN can and will change your terms when they have achieved their employment goal's and have all the airframes in the air they need.

Caveat Emptor..

Exactly!
The best is yet to come !
Once Pilot numbers are up, pay and conditions will tumble !
Hence the bond !
Funny how they want you to sign a bond , but in return you have no contract !

Are crew leaving within three years without paying their bond?

Bonds are illegal under HKG Law, so the company 'lends' you money for your training which is paid back over the time. The size of the 'loan' and repayment terms change as the Peoples department adjusts to try to hit recruitment targets.

People have left with outstanding loan amounts. Some just fly out, some reach an agreement with the company. The best departures are the ones on a layover where the crew member leave the uniform folded on the bed, the EFB iPad locked with their own passcode and a note saying they quit

The Training Bond is for howmuch? What happens with it if you fail training?

You can't fail training

I left last year without paying back the bond having only spent a year there. They sent me a whole world of threats but when I got a lawyer to write them a letter explaining how that would land themselves in legal hot water they have never bothered me since.

Mind to share the details of the letter? I'm sure we all wanted to know, especially the ones that are thinking to leave.

I'll DM you