Cathay Questions
 

Hello,

I have an SO interview coming up in the next few weeks. I have the packet Cathay sent me but it is just more applications and forms, with no additional information about the job itself. So for whoever has time, here are some Qs:


How long are the SO - JFO upgrades running? What is involved in the upgrade, is it an 'up or out' type deal? If so how many people lose their jobs in the upgrade?

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When is the earliest you can transfer out of HKG? I assume it's upon upgrade to JFO? What if the base you want flies equipment you're not yet qualified in? How does it work if you want to be based in say, CDG on a foreign passport?

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How common are transfers from SO pax to FO freighter? Looking down the road I may want Chicago as a base.

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What is the most current pay information for SOs? I have ballpark numbers but I cannot find this information anywhere..

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What are the schedules like? How many days off per month would one expect to have? As an SO / FO / CA?

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Finally, how bad is the air pollution in Hong Kong?


Lots of questions, I know. Thakns for any and all info.

You still have an interview? Mine and from what I have been reading, all DESO interviews have been cancelled.

Well I suppose I'll send an email (?) I have not been informed of cancellation of my interview. Mine is for the final interview in Hong Kong.

When is yours?

Initial interviews have been cancelled, they are still proceeding with final interviews. From what I can tell initial DESO interviews this week will be the last ones for the rest of the year. Had mine yesterday, and am hoping I get through to the final...we'll see.

1. Upgrades are running 2 and a half years right now but the time to F/O is expected to climb over the next year.

2. Once you have moved up from JFO to FO you can take up a base. You are allowed to bid for a base as an S/O once you have been deemed "suitable" for upgrade. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the visas needed to work out of your base.

3. You can transfer to frt fleet as an S/O as long as you meet the DEFO requirement before you are hired.

4. search function should bring that info up. Around 33k/month starting.

5. depends on fleet. As an S/O on the 744 3 long hauls/month with a sim rostered every other month.


6. From June till September it is not bad at all. Plenty of clear days. The rest of the year it ranges from fair to absolute crap. The Hong Kong observatory has a link for daily air quality as well discover Hong Kong have web cams to see what the vis is like.

Very basic info but hope it helps.

What color tie?
 

I have not been on many airline interviews. I have been getting some mixed information on what color tie to wear. I have a black suit. I know dark blue would be better, but the black one fits the best. Cathay being a more formal company, I think a black suit should be fine. My question is what color tie would be the best?

Dan

No thanks. I have the interview part down:ok:. I'm just having trouble with the tie.

Alanmac, blue.

Frigging pollution is back already :mad::{

I have heard that the time for a SO to upgrade to JFO may increase to 5-6 years (keep in mind that it may not be accurate; just something I heard from a currently employed SO). Also, bypass pay due to DEFO being hired and extendees past 55 years old is apparently not being paid like some SO had expected it would be after reading their conditions of service (again, I can't substantiate those claims I heard from a third party; don't know how true it is).

SO to JFO takes 2 to 3 years.

True, the JFO upgrade is at approx. 2-3 years for those upgrading now. It will definetely be at just over 3 years by the end of the year and this lenght of time is expected to increase to well over 3 years (even heard 5 years) for those joining today, according to what currently employed S/Os tell me.

Given that April and May 2006 hires have their courses assigned for October it would be impossible for upgrades to reach 3 years by year end. Next summer would be the earliest for the 3 year mark to be reached and most likely it will be next fall unless upgrades come to a complete stop, which of course is possible if the economic downturn becomes a complete collapse.