CATHAY PACIFIC vs. FEDEX/UPS opinions

[Whale Pilot]

Bjammin,

Yes people actually do research before they post. I have several TWA friends who "actually" have a seniority number and "actually" are on the line and "actually" believe there is merit yet the company will post what they need to to prevent a mass exodus.

I'm not knocking you. As I said before, best regards....

I suggest you disengage.....

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.

 

[semperfido]

whale: give it up--even if you end up being correct--it's too late, as he was there and drank the cool-aid. besides he is young and can afford to take some chances.

 

[BIGBROWNDC8]

This is a stupid thread...

Are you really asking us to compare Cathay to UPS/FedEx?

Heres some advice, If you are asking this question, re-evaluate what it is that you think is your top objectives in being an airline pilot weather it be (Cargo/passengers) If your top priorites are the same that 99.99% of every other Pilots is, you have your answer. If your part of the .01%, go to Cathay and have a good career...

I mean really, ask this question if you have three job offers, Im willing to bet that you might have one... Cathay...

Stupid Thread...

BBDC8

 

[FCNelson]

This is a stupid thread...

Are you really asking us to compare Cathay to UPS/FedEx?



I mean really, ask this question if you have three job offers, Im willing to bet that you might have one... Cathay...

Stupid thread.....

BBDC8

Alternatively, he may have three job offers.....

1. Great Lakes
2. Gulfstream
3. Cathay

In which case, Cathay would be a no brainer.....

Seriously, let Bjammin go to Cathay and make his own opinion of the place. He obviously has deep roots in aviation, knows a lot of people at a lot of places including Cathay, and has thought about this issue a lot. He likely will love it. One man's gold is another man's garbage. Don't let 'em get you down BJ - good luck with training and have fun in Australia. I'm hoping to get called to interview for an SO spot in HKG.

 

[Brown Cow]

Again......I reiterate what I said before........

Cathay does not have a chance when it comes to freight expansion. Air China or China Airlines will scoop them up so quickly. The arrogance of the Swire group thinking that they are on top of the world with this "little island" airline is pompous to say the least. Either one of these companies cannot get their hands on enough airplanes. They will buy anything heavy with engines and wings.

On the home-front........UPS is buying whatever they can, too. A300's, 767-200's, 747-400's (believe it 16 are coming.....at least). Oh, I forgot that A380 (10 orders is just the beginning). Cathay is an airline that does not respect pilots unless you were born on an island, either in the S. Pacific or N. Europe. We do not count. 50'sh pilots were tossed a few years back at CX; it will happen again.

There is no comparison. CX A scales are gone and with the new contracts at both Brown and Purple looming, the B scales will be dwarfed. Secondly, you will fly boxes at CX (so no happy smiling faces from pax) until you end up in Hong Kong. Then you will likely spend a good majority of your elaborate income just to maintain a semblance of your N. American lifestyle.

Cathay indeed may be good for some. To those who are there, kudos for the decision. I hope you have a long, prosperous career. However, comparing Cathay to FedEX or UPS is crazy.......there is no comparison. Get this CX business off of the majors forum.

BC

 

[SKYMASTER]

I did not know I would get such a large response! Thanks for all of the information and opinions from pilots of all three companies, and the opinions of those outside these airlines as well. You have all been helpful. I was just curious about some of the perspectives on these airlines from airline pilots out there, and this has been a great way of getting pilot information. It's been a learning experience, and is in some respects is better than just reading the stock quotes and newswire.

Thanks, SKYMASTER

 

[Bjammin]

Again, you guys need to get your facts straight. You CAN fly pax and be based out the states, LAX/SFO.

Cathay has orders for a bunch of 744's and is expanding through China, the states, and S. Pacific. There is plenty of commerce out there for everybody to share.

The 49's issue is definitely one for debate. I truly believe Cathay realizes it was a grave error and has cost them dearly. It would be very unwize for them to reattempt such action and is tring to make amends.

As far as the money, my starting is higher then most every US carrier and the 15.5% flat out contribution to my retirement in CASH or 401K is a huge bonus, better then any other airline. If you move to Hong Kong, which is a CHOICE, they provide a housing allowence and schooling for your children and it's substantial.

I have been studying Cathay for over 3 years. I have boozed with the 777 and Airbus chief pilots and everyone from newhires to 18 year captains, I had a 2 inch binder filled with every article form every source imaginable for the past 8 years. I have reseched every forum on both flighinfo and pprune and have read EVERY press release in the world and local press section of the Cathay web site (not all pro Cathay). Let alone gone through the entire interview process with success. I would say I know more about Cathay them most of the people in it. I have also done this for every airline I interviewed with and that's not the airlines mentioned above but ones like SWA and JB. Do I pretend to know everything about FDX and UPS, no, but with a brother that flies for FDX I think I have a pretty good idea about whats going on.

Again if they called me first, who knows.


Am I defending Cathay? a little, but i'm really trying to make sure that someone that reads the title of this thread and is looking for a job is not persuaded away from Cathay by a bunch of guys that are guessing what it's about. Most of your statements are WRONG.

To the ones here that work for Cathay and don't like it, they have legit gripes, but there are plenty of people I know that do like it and have made it to their "pot of gold". I'm going to find out if it's mine, I have done the reaserch and think it is. You can find people that love and hate each airline out there. Every person's situation is different. If you want alot of T/O's and landings, if you don't like long haul, if you want to live in middle america forever then Cathay may not be for you.

Whale,

disengage?!? ....Check six! The meat of the article was written at the request of the Hong Kong stock exchange.

 

[Spooky 1]

Hang in there, go for it.

I have a little experience with Cathay, and while I am no career counsler, but I would have little or no reservations about selecting them right along side the of FedEx, UPS as good career choices. Good airline, good equipment and in spite of what some have implied here, a good future. Go ahead a make the move and don't look back. Who knows what this industry will look like in 20 years. Is the retirement age at Cathay still 55?

 

[Bjammin]

Thanks spook!
They are letting PAX Captains go to the freighter after 55 and retire at 60. The mainline is soon to follow. This has slowed upgrades a little, but with expansion has not had too much effect.

 

[(o) (o)]

Good luck in training.

You'll be bombarded with written tests for the next few weeks. Have fun taking that morning walk down to the CAD for your exams. Remember to LOOK THE OTHER DIRECTION as you cross the road, there's always something scary about those double-decker buses passing by on the wrong side of the road while doing mach 2.

See ya.

P.S. would your brother help me get a interview at FDX?

 

[Dave Benjamin]

Remember to LOOK THE OTHER DIRECTION as you cross the road,

True story.

 

[Bjammin]

Funny.

I've got no problems with exams, been in flight training all my life.

My bro hates FDX and will tell you to stay where you are.

 

[PCL_128]

My bro hates FDX and will tell you to stay where you are.

You still haven't said what he hates about FedEx. Really, what can be so bad about one of the only high-paying, stable airline jobs left?

 

[Bjammin]

I'm not in the airline bashing business. You have to reserach each company yourself and determine if it's a fit for you.

I don't know if his gripes are ligit or not, thus I'm not going to spill a bunch of potential B.S. on a forum where people are looking for jobs. I back up my posts with facts and I truly don't have the facts on why he hates it. He generally does not like flying at night and has some beefs about management, but beyond that I'm not going to repeat his gripes until I can back it up.

 

[Spooky 1]

A!ge 60+ freighter pilots only

Thanks spook!
They are letting PAX Captains go to the freighter after 55 and retire at 60. The mainline is soon to follow. This has slowed upgrades a little, but with expansion has not had too much effect.

Thats interesting. The Koreans were doing something similar for awhile, letting the guys fly past age 60 on the freighters. Maybe they should make all the freighter guys here in the US fly past sixty, oh say maybe 66, or SS what ever comes first. Sorry, I just couldn't help my self BBB!

 

[Big Beer Belly]

Thats interesting. The Koreans were doing something similar for awhile, letting the guys fly past age 60 on the freighters. Maybe they should make all the freighter guys here in the US fly past sixty, oh say maybe 66, or SS what ever comes first. Sorry, I just couldn't help my self BBB!

Bite your tongue Spooky! <g> Of course those dentures probably cause you to do that already!! Happy trails ...

BBB

 

[Spooky 1]

You must be lurking in the bushes just like a big fat catfish. All the best.


Spooky1

 

[klhoard]

. . .<snip>. .

My bro hates FDX and will tell you to stay where you are.

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If your brother is senior to me, I think he should quit!!!!
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[VaB]

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If your brother is senior to me, I think he should quit!!!!
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I think he should quit anyway. There are enough angry and grouchy guys running around this place. Some guys can find a reason to pi$$ and moan about anything.

Bjammin:

has some beefs about management

Well that eliminates noone on the crewforce. Except maybe the new hires that started last week that haven't met any of them yet.

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

Brown Cow

Sorry to wade in now, but I have been away on a ULH flight. I have been following this thread with interest, and would like to add my .02C

With all due respect, you know not of what you speak wrt CX freight expansion. CX is agressively chasing freight business in Asia and will be a major player. CX will do more with it's puny fleet of 101 wide-bodies in 2006 in productivity than any other. Watch this space.

"little island"

eh? Check your atlas - you may be confusing Hong Kong with Singapore, also recently called "the size of a piece of snot" by Taiwan. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3697244.stm

Cathay is an airline that does not respect pilots unless you were born on an island. We do not count.

Oh yes you do. How many nationalities do you have on the flightdeck? CX is at 50 and counting. I would suggest that unless you hold a US passport or green card you're SOL with FDX. Not so here. Despite the clear bias and xenophobia currently practised by many US companies, descrimination of any sort is not allowed here.

There is no comparison

Yes there is. I have a friend who joined UPS at the same time I joined CX, 16 years ago. I have seen his payslip and he has seen mine. I outearn him by a significant margin. He has more days off, and I am pleased for him, and he uses the bid system well - something I wish we had here. He is a CN on the 757/767 and could easily hold a regular line on the B747, but chooses not to. I am a CN on the A330/340 series and could easily hold a B744 command, but choose not to. His retirement will be significant but so will mine. He would not leave even if he could step into my shoes, and vice versa. As the brits would say, "horses for courses". Both are good companies and have their dedicated employees. Good for you.

Then you will likely spend a good majority of your elaborate income just to maintain a semblance of your N. American lifestyle

You truly have no idea, do you? I'll tell you what - PM me and I will take you around the next time you're in HKG and shame you into an apology. Have you ever actually been here?

Get this CX business off of the majors forum

I have a counter-suggestion. Why don't we move FDX to a freighter forum and be done with it?

How Now, Brown Cow?