CATHAY PACIFIC vs. FEDEX/UPS opinions

[Bjammin]

You don't know me form Adam and WHAT I would like. If people are so unhappy there, why aren't they leaving in droves? I personally know many people that work for the airline and LOVE IT!They do know me and encourged me to apply, but I did not listlen to them either and researched it for myself. What advise would you give me? Get a job with Jet Blue, SWA, or a regional? I have interviwed with all these and I have decided Cathay is what I want.

Have you worked for Cathay? How do you know it wasn't just the foreign airline you worked for that stunk? I can tell you there are many US companies that would truly be aweful to work for right now, or NOT, if you get my drift. Cathay has been around since 1946, where would you feel more secure, JB or Cathay?
I have seen people in these forums love and hate each and every airline outhere, thus just about any post that tells me an airline stinks or is great, I take with a grain of salt.
The only thing I'm am trying to say in this thread is DON'T GIVE BAD IMPRESSIONS ABOUT AN AIRLINE YOU KNOW LITTLE ABOUT TO A PERSON LOOKING FOR A JOB! You may turn someone off to a job that would have been great for them.

 

[House_X]

I start in 5 days. Direct Entry F/O on the -400 out of LAX

Hey, keep us posted on how things are going in Hong Kong. I heard the training is tough, but fair for newhires...I think it's AQP.

I agree with most of what you were saying, but Typhoon is right. Just watch yourself. For those fortunate enough to have the opportunity to choose between FED-EX/UPS and CX, then the choice is obvious. If your a CA in an RJ, I would say CX doesn't make sense since your building 121 jet PIC, but if your an FO at a regional with little hope for jet PIC, I think CX is a good choice considering the US market is saturated with RJ Captains waiting for FED-EX/UPS/SWA etc.

Good luck!

 

[sgu]

good luck

Good for you Jammin for standing your ground. There will be disgruntled chaps anywhere and everywhere. I personally look forward to my chance at CX. When I started w/ my current airline the conditions were not very good. People were fired for not passing initial CA upgrades. It has since gotten 1000% better. Like you said, one mans trash is anothers gold. Opinions are just that an opinion. Take it with a grain of salt and judge your own experience. The one thing though I see CX vs FDX and UPS is being called for an interview based on qualifications. At UPS and FDX, multiple internal recs or "key" double secret connections are required to just be lucky enough to enter the gauntlet.
Good luck and have fun in Hong Kong! Keep us in the loop with your experiences!

 

[TriJet]

-----

 

[Beertini]

- ...and the Chinese are not stupid enough to screw with a machine thats working.

Like Hong Kong?

 

[Mr Zog]

...and the most accidents of any major airline in the world (Asian CAL and KAL included). Makes me really wonder about your training department.

Hey Spence,

Who do you fly for?

 

[typhoonpilot]

You don't know me form Adam and WHAT I would like.

You're right, I don't know you from Adam, nor I am talking to you. It was SKYMASTER that asked the question and that is who I am respondng to.

Now I will reply to you though.

Have you worked for Cathay? How do you know it wasn't just the foreign airline you worked for that stunk?

Since you asked, no I haven't worked for Cathay. It isn't just the one foreign airline that I worked for, I've worked for three separate carriers overseas. I also have numerous friends and colleagues who are working for or have worked at almost every major foreign airline that hires expats, including Cathay.

I stand by my statements. For someone who is faced with a choice of going to Fedex/UPS or Cathay the only good decision for their long term happiness and career stability would be to choose the former.

Don't take this as a slam on Cathay, it is a great airline. But the question was asked and that is my answer. It's not personal and you don't have to defend your decision to join Cathay to me or anyone else.

Good luck in training and remember, you are being graded from day one.

Tyhoonpilot

 

[(o) (o)]

Bjammin,

It is good that you are enthusiastic about your future.

you are absolute correct when suggesting it is inappropriate to denounce a company because it will discourage people to apply. That's not my intentions, I have lots of friends who are furloughed, any job is a good job when you're unemployed. But given the choice between FedEx, UPS, or here. I think the U.S. carriers are better.

So here's my suggestion to you: don't paint such a rosey picture when you haven't even got 1 day of seniority.

It may be a great company that makes tons (or tonnes) of cash, but until you're actually an employee, please don't tell people it's a great place to work becuase you don't know squat at this point.

Peace out,

 

[Purpledog]

want to be with a company that is tied to the WORLD economy, not just the US.

That's funny. I think at last count FedEx Expressed served over 210 countries. I wonder who has a little more effect on the world economy.

 

[Bjammin]

Not once have I said Cathay is an awesome company, I don't know if it is or not, but neither do most of the people on this thread. I can tell you that I have been impressed by their bottom line, the tough interview experience, the service on the trip to and from HK, the per diem they gave me for the interview (no other airline does that!), and their entire operation at HK. The people I have met, including pilots, have all been nothing but true professionals and very freindly.
Out of all the interviews I have done only Cathay had a social event where big wigs would take the time to come have a beer with you after your interview. I almost missed my flight home because I was having such a great time. It was at that cocktail party where one of the senior members gave me a little wink and said, "We really like you, don't worry."
The airline almost has a squadron atmosphere, guys teasing you, throwing beer down your gullet, and maybe not so P.C. Not everyone's bag, but mine for sure.
None of the other airlines felt like that to me. They all looked at me as though I was lucky to be there and stuffed their nose at me, kidda the oppisite of what I expected.
Cathay put the inerview priority on the sim ride and your motivation. Others wouldn't hire you if made a slight honost mistake on an answer to a question. I didn't know all the answers in the very technical Cathay interview, but they were looking for I how handled the stress, not if I knew the "INS drift equation".

Again, I interviewed with 5 got hired by 3 and choose 1. I had my apps in with FDX and UPS, if they had called first, who knows.

No one here has the choice of all the airlines they want. My dad retired from DAL in '91 after 31 years. I truely thought thats were I was going to work. Thank god I did not get out of the military 5 years ago and get hired by them.

You never know what's going to happen in the airline business, but through all the reserch and interviews, I have made the best choice for me. Some think i'm crazy, but to me flying around the bush in Alaska is crazy, to others it's their dream.

As far as the "world" remark I was more refering to airlines like JB, SWA, DAL, UAL, AMR. Cathay is in a position to take advantage of the booming Chinese and asian economy, while most airlines here would fold if, god forbid, another 9/11 happened.

I'm tired of typing, can we PLEASE put this thread to bed?

 

[semperfido]

press on...good luck

 

[fr8doggie]

.
The airline almost has a squadron atomshere

Don't tell me you guys are special weapons qualified?

 

[AlbieF15]

Freddie,

Pretty cheap shot at our training department. I don't know about the other guys there, but I found my training to be A) very rigorous and B) supported by some world class instructors.

I hope you never have to experience working at a carrier when there is a mishap. It never makes working there any more pleasant, and the extra scrutiny and training just makes it harder on everyone.

 

[320AV8R]

Bjammin-

Only you know what fits your situation. Enjoy your job at CX.

 

[Bjammin]

Don't tell me you guys are special weapons qualified?

Whoops, funny. I'll have to edit that.

 

[Hair-on-Fire]

Sure Cathay is a profitable airline, but look what they've done to the pay rates even though they make money every year. They've got pilots on a A, B, and C scale. History would suggest you be ready for the D, E, F.....

 

[Whale Pilot]

Hey Bjammin,

Look, we know your really excited about flying the whale. Been there done that... If and when you finish training, voice your opinion then... Your in for a rude awakening. It's been said that China Air, China Southern Air & Cathay will become one with China Air being the controlling interest. China Air pilots (Captains) make about 10% what pilots at Cathay make (F/O). If and when this happens, you will think the job as a flight instructor flying 152's was your dream job.

FedEx and UPS currently are the best jobs out there for various factors; pay, security, US company, other business factors that will keep them on top. Flying boxes vs passenger is not a contest. Boxes win. Boxes don't complain about food, temp, or cost of the flight.

Late 60's TWA was the premier airline to work for. Besides being sold down the river by National ALPA, factors involving the "right" decision about who you make your career with won't be answered until the day you retire. Listen to the guys here who have a lot more experience than yourself.

Best Regards....

You don't know me form Adam and WHAT I would like. If people are so unhappy there, why aren't they leaving in droves? I personally know many people that work for the airline and LOVE IT!They do know me and encourged me to apply, but I did not listlen to them either and researched it for myself. What advise would you give me? Get a job with Jet Blue, SWA, or a regional? I have interviwed with all these and I have decided Cathay is what I want.

Have you worked for Cathay? How do you know it wasn't just the foreign airline you worked for that stunk? I can tell you there are many US companies that would truly be aweful to work for right now, or NOT, if you get my drift. Cathay has been around since 1946, where would you feel more secure, JB or Cathay?
I have seen people in these forums love and hate each and every airline outhere, thus just about any post that tells me an airline stinks or is great, I take with a grain of salt.
The only thing I'm am trying to say in this thread is DON'T GIVE BAD IMPRESSIONS ABOUT AN AIRLINE YOU KNOW LITTLE ABOUT TO A PERSON LOOKING FOR A JOB! You may turn someone off to a job that would have been great for them.

 

[Bjammin]

Do people actually do research before they post?

.

To all staff from the Chairman

Dear all,

We have noted press and other reports about possible changes in the ownership of Cathay Pacific, Air China and Dragonair. We would like to reiterate that Swire Pacific remains committed to being the principal shareholder in Cathay Pacific for the long term.

For more information, please refer to the company's statement to the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

David Turnbull
Chairman


Joint clarificatory announcement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange

This clarificatory announcement is made at the request of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Swire Pacific and Cathay Pacific have noted press and other reports about possible changes in the ownership of Cathay Pacific, Air China and Dragonair. Cathay Pacific and Air China have made progress in exploring opportunities for further cooperation, including in relation to the Hong Kong-China aviation market, under the terms of the MOU dated 20 October, 2004. Such cooperation discussions necessarily involve Dragonair. However, there are currently no agreements between Air China and Cathay Pacific in relation to Dragonair. Swire Pacific remains committed to being the principal shareholder in Cathay Pacific for the long term and does not intend to do anything which would require a general offer to be made for the shares of Cathay Pacific under the Hong Kong Code on Takeovers and Mergers. In addition, Swire Pacific does not intend to become the principal shareholder of Air China. The board of Cathay Pacific has not received an approach from any person which might lead to a general offer being made for its shares.


This clarificatory announcement is made at the request of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Swire Pacific and Cathay Pacific have noted press and other reports about possible changes in the ownership of Cathay Pacific, Air China and Dragonair.

On 20 October, 2004, Cathay Pacific and Air China announced that they had entered into the MOU, which envisaged a strategic investment by Cathay Pacific in Air China and future cooperation between them. In December, 2004, Cathay Pacific acquired a 10% interest in the share capital of Air China when Air China’s shares were listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This acquisition was the subject of announcements by Cathay Pacific dated 21 November, 2004 and 15 December, 2004 and a circular to its shareholders dated 30 December, 2004.

The MOU set out the framework for discussing, among other things, the objective of exploring the opportunities for developing a close partnership and cooperation between the aviation and related businesses of Cathay Pacific and Air China in Hong Kong and Mainland China. Cathay Pacific and Air China have made progress in exploring opportunities for further cooperation, including in relation to the Hong Kong-China aviation market, under the terms of the MOU. Such cooperation discussions necessarily involve Dragonair. However, there are currently no agreements between Air China and Cathay Pacific in relation to Dragonair.

Swire Pacific, which holds 46.5% of the shares in Cathay Pacific, is committed to being the principal shareholder of Cathay Pacific for the long term and does not intend to do anything which would require a general offer to be made for the shares of Cathay Pacific under the Hong Kong Code on Takeovers and Mergers. In addition, Swire Pacific does not intend to become the principal shareholder of Air China. The board of Cathay Pacific has not received an approach from any person which might lead to a general offer being made for its shares.

By order of the Boards of Swire Pacific and Cathay Pacific





Read the thread and you'll learn what I'm trying to say here. I couldn't care less about the "WHALE". It's about the strength of the airline and the people I have met and know, pilots, F/A's, and management.

By the way, boxes can't smile back when you do something nice for them, boxes don't say ,"Thank's for the flight", boxes very rarely make ME smile (except when they are for me!), and I can't think of one box that ever said, "Hello". I am very different from you apparently.

I going to fly freight for a while and that's fine. It will take me that long to get the flare down. (It's a Navy thing)

You have no idea about my experience with airlines so until you and I are in a bar together thrown' down don't pretend you do.

I'm sure there was a thread 4 years ago titled "Southwest vs. Delta and American" I'm sure the bashing of SWA was about the same.

 

[Bjammin]

Oh, and another thing. Let's say I was weak, stupid, and didn't know anything about the company and said what you guys are dying for me to say.

"Wow, you guys are right! I have made a big mistake!"

Do you truly think someone should throw in the towel 5 days from going to training and wait to see what might pop up and FDX, UPS, or maybe even DAL UAL AND AMR?

If you EVER convince someone to do that, you should be ashamed. You may cause someone to give up something great.

 

[semperfido]

Bjammin,


Peace out,

Man---awesome username! you get an A for originality