Flying in China / anywhere for fresh grad?

[Matt_777]

Hi all,

I am a Hong Kong resident holding a permanent HKID with a British Citizen passport. I am actually a Native Chinese in HK who speaks fluent Cantonese / Mandarin and have no problem writting / reading Chinese at all. I am currently undergoing a CPL / MEIR training in Australia and actually considering doing CASA ATPL theory as well. I am wondering if anyone here knows what options do I have after completing the course? I have already tried CX cadet before coming only failing the final interview. Does anyone know if any of the Chinese carriers will consider taking people like me? Or even AirAsia?? Thanks very much for reading~

[Dirty D]

mainland

I would tend to agree with B737rider. However if you are a fresh grad with Chinese citizenship it may not be a terrible idea. Have a look into OkAir. They are one of the new carriers operating 737-800. They are based out of Tianjin. They have been known to hire even Chinese speaking foreigners fresh out of school. They will however pay you very little and expect you to stay for at least 6 years. Depends what you want.

D

[Matt_777]

Mainland

Well thank you very much for all of your replies. I do understand that the pay and benefits of the mainland carriers are really bad comparing to HK or other airlines in the region, but people like me, fresh grad with only like 200 hrs, can't really ask for anything can we? Just wanna get into any of these airlines, get 2000 hrs on turbine then go back to HK..........are there any better ways than this?

[hxhlsj]

SIA cadet

I recommend to put u resume in. u would have done it i suppose....

[deltazulu]

737rider speaks with his highlighted words in every threads concerning China.

however you should be prepared to the at least 5yr contract and no more than $40k/yr pay

[speedtwoten]

Chinese mob/mafia

B737rider, please explain more about this chinese mafia, as I'm applying to fly in mainland China don't want to get in to trouble while away from home but I'm apply through agencies like Rishworth, anyone having experience in china linked to the mafia please share

[King Air]

Matt,

I might give you some advice since a friend of mine who currently flying with one of the chinese carries.
If you wanna fly in China, You must prepare to stay in mainland for at least 8 years or more , the pay for FO will be started from rmb$ 8000 to $28000. the pay for Capt is around $30000 to $60000. the bond is terrible. you have to pay more than one million if you wanna move to another airlines.

[Dan Winterland]

The T+Cs for mainland carriers aren't good. Once they have you - that's it! China Southern recently won a court case to recover the training costs from some of their pilots who jumped ship. I can't remember the amount, but it was hundreds of thousands US dollars!!!!! Also, I suspect holding a UK passport will not be helpful. These companies do have foreign nationals flying for them, but on contracts.

IMHO, your best bet is to build a few hours and apply to Cathay or Dragonair. With the right to live in HK, you can apply to be a direct entry local contract Second Officer with Dragonair with 250 hours, or 200 hours if doing an integrated course approved by the HK CAD. I suggest you contact them now to sound them out.

[King Air]

Dan's correct, there is not only the CZ won the a court case, but also the Hainan Airlines won the case for taking back the training cost for $3000000.

My recommendation is knock the KA/CX door first. the worse case is go to china and build up your flying hours b4 coming back to Hong Kong. the most important thing for you to fly in china is beware of the contact. the contact with the chinese airlines is f**king sh*t. Anyway a friend of mind has sign a contact for 6 years with the shenzhen based carrier.