center,
ok, should be a bit more careful with my choice of words. Lets put it this way, after 3 years from your initial line check, or 42 months after your date of joining (whichever is earlier) you become "eligible" to be considered for transfer to the pax fleet. You are not required to transfer (I'm sure the company would love you not too), so there is a "choice" for you. The time table written above is the minimum required time on the freighter fleet. I guess you could say it is rare to go across the very date you become eligible, however, if the company elects to defer your transfer, you may be eligible for integration deferment pay. When this pay kicks in, I'm not exactly sure, however, I think it is to do with the time when someone junior to you has taken a position you could concievably have taken up on the pax fleet in HKG or wherever after your eligibility date comes and goes. So, yes, the company can "deny" (ie. delay)your "request" to transfer, but they will pay you as if you had transfered anyway once the requirements for the deferment pay have been met. And yes, there have been plenty of guys who have been delayed in going across, but have been paid accordingly......and the requirements are normally met at about the same time as when you become eligible anyway.
Sure, look at Emirates, make up your mind on all the info you can get. Its got its good and bad points just like anywhere. One of the advantages with CX freighters vs Emirates is that you can stay here in the US.
xray