It’s no secret, China went from over 1500 ExPats to a mere 100 through the pandemic. It is doubtful they will return anytime soon as Chinese cadet pilots continue to keep up with domestic growth and rebound.

And you are surprised?

And some will take the deal .

BCA "new pandemic" contract briefing sheet is circulating. They are scouting for foreign pilots with CAAC licence, probably to support future growth. Deflate HNA, expand BCA - well imaginable.

4500 USD training pay
3000 USD basic pay + flight hours + allowances

​​​​​​Assuming 600 hr/y with a flexible commuting arrangement (the usual double edge blade) the figures show approx 13000 US/m averaged net.

Beats WZZ in AUH
​

DMP: I can see how the quick succession of my posts painted a pro-china choice picture. Not intentional.

To the best of my knowledge, all you typed is thoroughly accurate. Before COVID the time between the first visit (SIM assessment + medical) and the first (ground training) paycheck was 9 months on average, never less than 6.

Today it is indefinite, no one is looking for people on the outside and even if the airlines did they are no longer allowed to sponsor work visa - now authorization from government offices somewhere is required. That alone is a real issue for people whose residence permit have expired. So big even the airlines themselves are having a hard time getting all the stamps for employees they want back.

No one signs for BCA or elsewhere. It's not an offer for which audience exists, only a description of the new pay structure. And then again, I feel the same about the deal as you do. Previously the training pay with BCA and their brethren was 350-400 USD/day = 12k as opposed to 4k now. Looking at the other figures above, the rest of the contract was taxidermized in a similar manner.

The reality is, for a jobless there is still nowhere to go (save for US folk), getting re-called is the best one could hope for. Some will take the deal available in China now, and some will refuse it. This only applies to those previously employed, none of whom would ever consider coming on today's terms.

Hence my reference to WZZ, in reaction to fatbus' post. The situation seems exactly identical. It only applies to an unknown small little number of individuals who are already present / stuck in the region. Given the choice of that or no employment at all, there will be takers. For those returning to PRC, glancing at the paycheck will be sorrowful but not eye-watering.

What counts the most is regaining currency.

Apparently Xiamen is recruiting again skippers on 787 fleet...any info?

12000rmb a month, $230usd an hour once on the line. 12k rmb+$200 usd a day in ground training upping to 300usd a day on line training. This is the latest scale I have received from a recruiter.

12 k USD/m on yearly average if my sums are correct. Buyer also beware the new thing in China is quoting salaries in gross.

If selected, you will become a relief Captain, but never a PIC unless they let you loose on a domestic route which is doubtful due to CAAC route/airport restrictions for foreigners.

The foreign pilot restrictions of late are said to have been relaxed about a month ago back where they used to be.

Regardless, the chart for international traffic paints a picture nowhere close to normality. 20% at best these days, is it?

I have heard this too about if you have contracted covid you can never join. Is there any documentation in fact on this or just rumour?

What are the current rules for on-duty pilots returning to China from layover abroad? I know the layover is hotel confinement, but what's the deal when returning to base?

Same as anyone, 2+1 (weeks). Unless there's a local (temporary) rule which could add +1 on both sides.

COVID seems to be 6 months grounding, but the airline will terminate you in the meantime. Licence transfer not possible because you did not finish the contract.

Few backdoor swabs and you good to go!