Why Asian airlines and which one?
 

Hi there,

I'm considering to move to Asia but know few or nothing about contracts, careers, salaries etc.

I would appreciate if you guys, especially if working or worked there, might give me some infos about these airlines and, if relevant, about other non mentioned; lifestyle in hong kong or other Asian towns would be appreciated as well.

I was focusing on short-medium haul operations (having almost 4000 hours on B737):

- Hong Kong Airlines
- Shenzhen
- Dragonair
- Hainan
- others deserving to be considered

Why not, why yes?

Thanks a lot buddies :}

Are you a Commander?
 

In my oppinion, if you are a Captain, use the search function regarding above mentioned companies, there are lots of lifestyle, rosters etc discussed.

If you are an FO, 4k on the B737, maybe consider a company that has (if any chance at all) quickest time to command. I havent searched this on PPRUNe, but quite sure there are some.

Good Luck.......

I'm F/O and captain upgrade is one of the things i'm aiming for.

What's the best airline there to bet on?

I know what airline NOT to bet on, and that is ANA. They tell everyone 3 years however that is not really the case. Seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets the nod to upgrade. I've seen weak candidates get thru while highly experienced ones get bypassed.

good luck

What about China airlines? I have just seen they are looking for FOs and CPTs.

china
 

Maybe it's not what you'd like to hear, but unfortunately, AFAIK no airline in mainland China hires expat FOs / low hr skippers (>500PIC on type). So, I would put Hainan and Shenzhen out of equation.

As for your question to recommend "the best" one to work for. IMHO, nobody is going to give you a list with pros/cons. Try to use search function as information is widely available. Moreover, there are tons of variables one needs to consider, so giving you recommendation would be misleading and subjective anyway. (anybody has different priorities - lifefstyle, money, family, environment, commuting, roster, upgrade, shall I go on?...)

One thing to remember when going for any contract work, anywhere in the world, is this - Expect to stay in whatever seat you started your contract in. Anything else is a bonus. When looking for an upgrade you will always be up against local kosmonauts that are reinventing the art of flying, always protecting the local pilot group and who will "lose face" if you are ever involved in any sort of incident so better off just failing you "right here right now".....just have a read on the forums and you will find loads of stories...

Do you have 6000 hrs tot time? If you do then go for AirAsia as they are taking on people with 2500 + "airline multi pilot jet and min 6000 hrs tot time". They offer you a type rating and a left seat against a 5 year bond. Pay is not great but Malaysia is a great place to live and relatively cheap.

Good luck!

CP