Working in Philippines
 

Can anyone provide current info on expat recruitment criteria etc for PAL or any of the other airlines in the Philippines. Thanks.

Did a 12 month contract in the Philippines for Cebu Pacific Airlines a few years ago. It was a pretty specialized contract as a Instructor / check airman and did it through a European contractor. The contract did not extend beyond "their" needs and, from what I could see, the Filipinos are very guarded about foreign employees. Everything is based on training a "local" to take over your position, which is fair enough.

PAL was on strike when I was there and I believe, at that time, they hired "scabs", which is a really bad position and the Philippines a really bad place to be if those are the positions offered. Also licensing with the Philippine MOT is very difficult requiring a sponsor (airline) and validation of continued "need of services" to renew the license. But if there is a shortage of local qualified pilots it is possible.

Good Luck

jetjackel, what was the pay like at Cebu Pacific when you were working for them?
were there many expats flying in the philippines?
what are the min. requirements for cebu pacific?
i'm half british and half filipino but am about to start my ATPL (JAA). would this put me in a good position for a job with PAL, CP or AP or would i be better off training in the Philippines for the ATPL?
thanks for your help jetjackel.
Jimbo.

Glad to help. My info is dated as I left the contract in '99. I was not employed with the airline, only there under contract with Strongfield as a Check Airman for about 18 months.

The local pilots were not getting rich. I believe around USD 1500 for an FO and maybe 2500 for a Captain. Don't know if heritage counts, maybe only if you hold a Philippine Passport or have the right to live and work there. You need to check with the Philippine embassy near you.

Good Luck.

jetjackel...
your post pretty much caught my attention. 'just wondering though... what other impressions do you have of the guys at cebu pac???

being half filipino gives you thr right to work in the philippines. all you need to do is drop by immigration and get a work permit... better yet, ask for a philippine pasport... the philippine goverment allows dual citizenship for guys like you... cubupac requires a minimum of 1500TT and PAL 1200TT... good luck.:D

Presumably 1500TT or 1200TT with jet or TProp Time?
Thanks in advance :confused:

as far as i know turboprop and jet time is preferd on both airlines but is not a basic reqirement....