What are my chances in Cathay for a Direct Entry FO?
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Hey Eiffle, out of interest, what's wrong with the job you have now? It's at home isn't it? Riding the jumpseat out of someone else's backyard sounds like a backward step doesn't it?
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DESO in it's traditional format has gone the way of the dinosaurs. It is however due to return within the next few months under the guise of "Short Course Cadet SO". I believe it will have a similar format to the Qantas Level 2 Cadet Course (if anyone happens to be familiar with that), although obviously built around HK exams/licenses rather than Aus. Somewhere in the vicinity of 2-3 months in ADL I understand. Definitely require a CPL, not sure about IR or hours requirements.
The catch? No (or perhaps sometime in the future reduced) housing assistance of course!
As for DEFO, in my opinion when and how much will depend to some extent on the outcome of the BPP court case/appeal.
Or perhaps the "new DEFO" will fly freighters out of Shanghai with "Air China Cargo" written down the side....
The catch? No (or perhaps sometime in the future reduced) housing assistance of course!
As for DEFO, in my opinion when and how much will depend to some extent on the outcome of the BPP court case/appeal.
Or perhaps the "new DEFO" will fly freighters out of Shanghai with "Air China Cargo" written down the side....
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Hey Dusty, yeah true... but something about flying for a major such as Cathay that gets to the aspiring long haul Pilot. Its a great company to work for I'm sure! Not surprising why there are a number of Aussie boyz working there now 
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Perhaps you should read some posts on the main forum before making such statements, "great company to work for".
Honestly the worst I've ever worked for, the only thing keeping me here is the housing allowance. Salary is sh1t and getting worse by the day, there is no respect for conditions of service, if flight and duty time limitations get in the way of commercial gain they get a dispensation (what does limitation mean to you?).
The association recently ran a survey on loyality, just on 50% said no loyality at all and another 20ish% said very little - let me spell that out for you 70ish% have very little to no loyality to the company. Great company to work for? Not even a good one.............
Honestly the worst I've ever worked for, the only thing keeping me here is the housing allowance. Salary is sh1t and getting worse by the day, there is no respect for conditions of service, if flight and duty time limitations get in the way of commercial gain they get a dispensation (what does limitation mean to you?).
The association recently ran a survey on loyality, just on 50% said no loyality at all and another 20ish% said very little - let me spell that out for you 70ish% have very little to no loyality to the company. Great company to work for? Not even a good one.............
coffeelovesmilk.com | pilot jobs worldwide
coffeelovesmilk.com | pilot jobs worldwide
Are times getting better at CX?
coffeelovesmilk.com | pilot jobs worldwide
Are times getting better at CX?
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Sloppy
Sloppy try reading my post. If it's too long try the 2nd line after the first comma.
I thought I made it reasonably clear. However, to spell it out to you, again. I'm not a bitter and twisted individual , just over 70% of the respondants to the Association's survey, said they have very little to no loyality to this company. Does this indicate to you that it is a "great company" to work for?
Good aircraft, good roster, good guys, sh1t company.
I thought I made it reasonably clear. However, to spell it out to you, again. I'm not a bitter and twisted individual , just over 70% of the respondants to the Association's survey, said they have very little to no loyality to this company. Does this indicate to you that it is a "great company" to work for?
Good aircraft, good roster, good guys, sh1t company.
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Eiffle2,
In case you haven't done a search on the recent history of DESO/DEFO hiring, I'll fill you in. There isn't any. I don't know why the website is still accepting applications, but DESO/DEFO is dead as a doornail. There are a whole bunch of us who were interviewed two years ago and are still "waiting". The most recent communication from Cathay a couple of months ago was that it was unlikely any DEFO hiring until 2012. The guys I know who were there for DESO are still "waiting" as well. So, in theory it could be four years from interview to hire. In reality, I don't think they will ever hire DESO/DEFO again, but that's just my opinion.
In hindsight, it's probably a good thing they never gave me a start date. I don't know anyone there who is even remotely happy.
Don't waste your time with Cathay. If you must, put in an application, but don't expect a call for many years, if ever.
In case you haven't done a search on the recent history of DESO/DEFO hiring, I'll fill you in. There isn't any. I don't know why the website is still accepting applications, but DESO/DEFO is dead as a doornail. There are a whole bunch of us who were interviewed two years ago and are still "waiting". The most recent communication from Cathay a couple of months ago was that it was unlikely any DEFO hiring until 2012. The guys I know who were there for DESO are still "waiting" as well. So, in theory it could be four years from interview to hire. In reality, I don't think they will ever hire DESO/DEFO again, but that's just my opinion.
In hindsight, it's probably a good thing they never gave me a start date. I don't know anyone there who is even remotely happy.
Don't waste your time with Cathay. If you must, put in an application, but don't expect a call for many years, if ever.
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Thanks for all the inputs, comments and opinions fellas. Everyone seems to have their own about this company whether good or bad! 
All points are taken.
At the end of the day if you like to know and see, find out for yourself
Happy Flights!
All points are taken.At the end of the day if you like to know and see, find out for yourself
Happy Flights!
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To Eiffle2
Had a quick look at some of your posts and from your experience level I would say you would have been right in line for DESO - if they were doing that still. It is becoming relatively official now that it will be a cold day in hell before CX hires DESOs again (no more expensive expat benefits you see).
When the upturn translates into hiring again they WILL hire DEFOs directly on to bases (no expensive expat benefits you see). However, I am no expert on the matter but with 'only' 1000 hours command on 'only' an ATR72 you will not be eligible for DEFO recruitment. I understand they want some of that elusive jet time for DEFO.
So go buy your rating at VB or J* and call them again after you've been working there for a couple of years. CX will be more than happy to take you on then. However as a CX DEFO going on to an Australian base, you will be paid less than either of those low cost carriers would be giving you. Hmm seems that CX has champagne taste but beer budget when it comes to pilots.
Had a quick look at some of your posts and from your experience level I would say you would have been right in line for DESO - if they were doing that still. It is becoming relatively official now that it will be a cold day in hell before CX hires DESOs again (no more expensive expat benefits you see).
When the upturn translates into hiring again they WILL hire DEFOs directly on to bases (no expensive expat benefits you see). However, I am no expert on the matter but with 'only' 1000 hours command on 'only' an ATR72 you will not be eligible for DEFO recruitment. I understand they want some of that elusive jet time for DEFO.
So go buy your rating at VB or J* and call them again after you've been working there for a couple of years. CX will be more than happy to take you on then. However as a CX DEFO going on to an Australian base, you will be paid less than either of those low cost carriers would be giving you. Hmm seems that CX has champagne taste but beer budget when it comes to pilots.
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Well CXmonkey, this time I pretty much agree with you.
I wish it weren't true, but the days of really exceptional pay for pilots, anywhere in the world, is gone I think.
However, is that really the case that both VB and J* pay more? Is that first year salary? How does it compare after a year or two? Do you have some numbers?
Like all airlines, alas, it's true: champagne pilots on beer budget.
Good thing I like beer.
Regarding DEFO's, the current info out there is correct: not starting again until 2012. But keep in mind the company is just guessing. No one has a crystal ball, (especially) not even the Swires. If the current trajectory is anything to go by, CX, like most airlines, has seen a big upswing in business, bringing in more $$ than budget. If things do continue that way, it'll be full hiring ahead, once again.
But who knows?
I wish it weren't true, but the days of really exceptional pay for pilots, anywhere in the world, is gone I think.
However, is that really the case that both VB and J* pay more? Is that first year salary? How does it compare after a year or two? Do you have some numbers?
Like all airlines, alas, it's true: champagne pilots on beer budget.
Good thing I like beer.
Regarding DEFO's, the current info out there is correct: not starting again until 2012. But keep in mind the company is just guessing. No one has a crystal ball, (especially) not even the Swires. If the current trajectory is anything to go by, CX, like most airlines, has seen a big upswing in business, bringing in more $$ than budget. If things do continue that way, it'll be full hiring ahead, once again.
But who knows?
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blue,
Just a strike away from getting pay back to where it should be, don't worry! Pretty sure the AOA will give the company the same amount of time that individual pilots were given to decide on their contract (COS'99 to COS'08).
Just a strike away from getting pay back to where it should be, don't worry! Pretty sure the AOA will give the company the same amount of time that individual pilots were given to decide on their contract (COS'99 to COS'08).
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CXmonkey,
VB and Jet* is definitely being considered! I know its very competitive out there now.
Will just wait and see
Thanks bud!
Just out of curiosity. Cathay FOs in base ports will get paid less than a LCC pilot! hmmm.... Considering Cathay is a Major carrier
VB and Jet* is definitely being considered! I know its very competitive out there now.
Will just wait and see
Thanks bud!Just out of curiosity. Cathay FOs in base ports will get paid less than a LCC pilot! hmmm.... Considering Cathay is a Major carrier
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I work for CX and I can tell you it is not a happy place. You would be much better working for a company in a 1st world country where you have at least some chance of your contract being upheld. The pay is inadequate to bring up a family and have any left over. If it wasnt for the housing allowance (will is gone for most if not all new joiners form now onwards) I would be working for a LCC at home. The good old days are gone at CX.
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?
Not in the states! First-Five year FO pay is higher than any LCC and Major!! Not to mention CX still has a pension plan which most companies abolished during bankruptcy proceedings.
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comparing oranges
Just reading the VB EBA 2007. Notable figures:
73 FO 101-120K
73 CAPT 185K
EJet FO 81-96K
EJet CAPT 148K
Think there's an additional annual bonus in the 4-8K arena depending.
All AUS$.
11/12 days off per 28.
It's not longhaul but reasonable coin and living in Oz. Progression almost certainly more rapid than CX would be my guess. Not claiming to be an expert - that's just what it says.
What are the current figures for an Oz based FO with CX?
73 FO 101-120K
73 CAPT 185K
EJet FO 81-96K
EJet CAPT 148K
Think there's an additional annual bonus in the 4-8K arena depending.
All AUS$.
11/12 days off per 28.
It's not longhaul but reasonable coin and living in Oz. Progression almost certainly more rapid than CX would be my guess. Not claiming to be an expert - that's just what it says.
What are the current figures for an Oz based FO with CX?
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I would concur with the others on this forum; if it weren't for the housing allowance I would be moving on. Also, when considering the t&c between Cathay and others keep in mind that at Cathay they haven't even kept up with inflation. This is the trend: DOWN. At least with some other carriers; while the pay may seem less than at Cathay, you can expect to keep up with inflation and have an upgrade in reasonable time. Honestly if I could turn back the clock, I would not be working for Cathay. 
For those you tell me to leave, read the the end of the first sentence!
For those you tell me to leave, read the the end of the first sentence!