Cathy Interviewing in the US next month

[Cpt. Underpants]

OK, before I start, I can't answer any questions re the freighters. I don't fly them and haven't wanted to fly them since ASL was created. Besides, I am on the Bus (340/330) and a HKG based "A"-scaler (where the money is). Flying the freighter is all outside of HKG and significantly less remunerated than any HKG based pax fleet pay.

• Reserves. No, CX does not care BUT THEY WILL NOT HONOUR ANY RESERVE COMMITMENTS THAT YOU HAVE. They are not obliged to, and receive no tax breaks if they do (as US companies do). If you want to stay active in the reserves, that's all on your own time (days off). CX will NOT schedule you days off in order for you to meet your reserve duties.
• Jumpseating. In your dreams. You have to hold at least an ID 90 ticket and can only jumpseat on non-training CX PAX flights. You need to ask ahead of time, and receive the approval of the captain(s) of the sector(s) involved. EG, HKG-YYZ requires two approvals, one for HKG-ANC, the next for ANC-YYZ.
• Bases. US bases on the freighter are JFK, ORD and LAX. Pax bases at JFK, SFO and LAX.

Hope that this gen is useful.

Cheers

Undies.

 

[center]

I am not any more bitter than any other pilot here, or anywhere. (Dry Humour)

But if a prospective candidate at a CX inteview, (who read your statement indicating that Cathay is not really a Chinese, but British airline) decided they were going to re-hash that statement, they would most definately be shown the exit in an expidited manner. Possibily with a security escort depending on who was conducting the assement.

Cathay is a Chinese airline based in China. Hong Kong is part of China. This is a part of the job. If someone has issues with working for the Chinese, then this is not the company for them. To work here, you must be open to ALL sorts of backrounds; ethnic AND aviation wise. Your life at this company is governed by your performance, and your attitide. Seniority does not control all aspects like in US companies.

The pilot group here is one of the best, and I say that not because they can fly perfect ILS's, but because they are good people who are open well rounded individuals. If you are looking forward to joining an environment filled with some wonderfull talented individuals, albeit not a perfect company, then I welcome you. As will everone else.

See you at the pub!!

Feel free to PM me.
My Hello Kity city friend Capt Underpants has a wealth of knowledge as well.

 

[Bjammin]

Thanks guys,

Now thats some information I can use.
I want to stay in the reserves so long as it does not interfere with my Cathay job. The moment I see a problem, the reserves lose big time. I have 5 years to go before I can get a reserve retirement and would like to try to get it, but if not, no big deal.
I truly thought Cathay was owned mostly by the Swire Group. I am sorry for misleading everyone.
I look forward to working with any culture as long as they don't treat me with disrespect because of my nationality. I am a very open to learning the ways of Cathay and will tote the company line gladly. I could tell by the interview after party that Cathay has some great social characters in it, and if the hiring guys can throw down like that, I can't wait to see what line pilots can do.
I look very much forward to my Cathay carrer and hope we can all meet at Dakota's for a pint.

 

[b757driver]

Just curious. I got an application from them last month from a job fair. Although their literature does not give a hint of an age limit, since this is not a US company, do they have an actual age limit? here do they interview in the US? NYC & LAX? And do they provide transportation and accommodation during the selection procedure or is that the candidates' responsibility?
Just trying to make an informed decision before I put pen to paper! Thanks

 

[Bjammin]

I believe the age limit is 46, but over to Capt. U or center on that one.
Their first interview is either in NYC, LAX, or SFO and they pay for zilch. The 2nd , should you be asked, is in Hong Kong. They will pay for your ticket from a Cathay Point of Origin to HK, for your room during the 2 day interview, and give you per diem. It's a sweet deal.
Put the pen to paper, I think you will like what you find.

 

[BigShotXJTdrvr]

What is the tax situation for a U.S. citizen on income earned working for Cathay?

 

[Bjammin]

When you are hired and working in the states, you actualy don't work for Cathay Pacific directly, but for a company called USA Basing Limited so you pay the regular income tax just like everyone else and not the Hong Kong tax.
If you move to HK then you will be an employee of Cathay Pacific and will pay the much more resonable Hong Kong flat fee tax of I think around 16%.

 

[Spooky 1]

Sorry if this is just a little of the subject but for those who are intersted in the history of Cathay, they should for a book call "Beyond Lion Rock". Sorry I do not have the publisher or authors name. It can be found in any number of loactions if you are in HKG. Fairly large paperback with balck and white photos of some of the original aircraft and pilots.

Interesting that the original founders and pilots were Americans, and their first airplane (C47/DC3) came out of Agusta, GA. Very good read and would give the new applicant some historic background on this great company.

Maybe some of the Cathay guys can direct you to a better source for obtaining this book. I would not be suprised if it was not avaialble at the aviation books stores up in Vancouver or Toronto.

 

[blade230]

Actually I believe it was one Australian (Kantzow), and one American (Farrel) who started Cathay.

 

[Spooky 1]

Actually I believe it was one Australian (Kantzow), and one American (Farrel) who started Cathay.

I stand corrected. I think Farrel was from Texas? Its been along time since I read the book.

 

[Hair-on-Fire]

Cathay

I found this information in the "Preparing for your Cathay Pacific Interview" By Captain X,Y,Z. Is there anyone that can comment on how this impacts quality of life on a day to day basis. Espically someone that has worked both at a US Major and Cathay. I'm currently furloughed from a US major with Cathay interview coming up. Much Thanks.

"Equipment flown is based on the company's discretion. Basing is at the company's discretion. Bidding for monthly schedules is not based on seniority. Pilots can request specific days off etc. but not a months schedule. The company controlls the seniority list and can change your seniority at their discretion.....After completion of the probation period, the contract can be cancelled on 3 months notice or payment in lieu.....Capts/FOs receive 42 days annual leave/year, and a minimum of 92 guaranteed days off/year (approx 8/month).

 

[aviator1x1]

Anybody hired as Second Officer?

Is the interview process any different for Second Officer position? Do they still do a sim evaluation? How is life as a Second Officer? How long till upgrade to First Officer?

Just curious for future career planning.

Thanks.

 

[b757driver]

Second Officer positions are all based in HKG and are, I believe, on the pax fleet. Simulator evals are done for all candidates.
S/O positions are for the young, low-time guys and are essentially cruise pilot positions. Hope that helps a little.

 

[Bjammin]

Most of these questions have been answered in the thread or others in the majors section involving Cathay.

A buddy that interviewed with me was there for the direct entry F/O position and went through the entire process. Probably due to his lack of multi-engine time, but great enthusiasm for Cathay they offered him a S/O position pretty much on the spot. He gladly took it and will be based out of HK on the 744. He will make a good bit of money due to the housing allowence and low tax rate. I think the upgrade time is about 3 years.

 

[clownhater]

Any furloughed UAL people at Cathay?

Please PM me if you would--I have an interview with Cathay in April and have a few question. Thanks!

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

CX requires a validated resignation from your employer - furloughees are required to resign (and CX Personnel check up). CX is not the kind of employer that lets you bide your time with them while your bankrupt employer re-organises, only to have you quit CX and them in the lurch when it suits you.

 

[clownhater]

Thanks for that rather obvious information. I was hoping to gather info on the interview and to hopefully round up some study materials.

 

[Bjammin]

If you read through the Cathay related posts here I have talked about the interview and study materials in depth.

 

[Hair-on-Fire]

CX requires a validated resignation from your employer - furloughees are required to resign (and CX Personnel check up). CX is not the kind of employer that lets you bide your time with them while your bankrupt employer re-organises, only to have you quit CX and them in the lurch when it suits you.

So Cathay wants a lifelong commitment from you but will only offer a contract that they can cancel with a three month notice? Seems hypocritical.

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

Don't shoot the messenger - what does UAL, AA, DL and Uncle Tom Cobbly & all ask for? - I'll wager that any US carrier can terminate employment at will - actually, they do: How many "furloughees" will NEVER see re-employment with US majors?

 

[TriJet]

Don't shoot the messenger - what does UAL, AA, DL and Uncle Tom Cobbly & all ask for? - I'll wager that any US carrier can terminate employment at will - actually, they do: How many "furloughees" will NEVER see re-employment with US majors?

apples and oranges

 

[Bjammin]

I'll take Cathay over ANY US domestic carrier, look at the bottom lines and the numbers of pilots on the streets.

Cathay has the advantages of PAX and cargo and is not tied to the US economy like every carrier here, how many items in you house say "Made in China".
If you want to fly PAX eventually then FedEx and UPS are not going to work, but getting on with Jet Blue could be a risky venture. SWA is fine, but if you want to fly anything other then a 737 and want to travel outside the US, then it's not the place for you either.


Cathay's policies towards the empolyes, not withstading the long ago 49r's incident, are very generous. Do some reserch on how they handled SARS and, oh by the way, the 49r's are being hired back. They may not have the advantages of a huge, powerful union, but if you are a professional in Cathay you WILL get upward movment and will not be left out to dry.

The longevity, 1946 start, and profit making ability of the airline speeks for itself. If you want to fly heavy jets international, work with a devirse pilot base, and recieve some of the beat airline training out there while making a very fair wage, then consider Cathay. Don't knock them until you have done some serious reseach and interviewed with five different carriers like I have.

 

[Hair-on-Fire]

I'll take Cathay over ANY US domestic carrier, look at the bottom lines and the numbers of pilots on the streets.

Cathay has the advantages of PAX and cargo and is not tied to the US economy like every carrier here, how many items in you house say "Made in China".
If you want to fly PAX eventually then FedEx and UPS are not going to work, but getting on with Jet Blue could be a risky venture. SWA is fine, but if you want to fly anything other then a 737 and want to travel outside the US, then it's not the place for you either.


Cathay's policies towards the empolyes, not withstading the long ago 49r's incident, are very generous. Do some reserch on how they handled SARS and, oh by the way, the 49r's are being hired back. They may not have the advantages of a huge, powerful union, but if you are a professional in Cathay you WILL get upward movment and will not be left out to dry.

The longevity, 1946 start, and profit making ability of the airline speeks for itself. If you want to fly heavy jets international, work with a devirse pilot base, and recieve some of the beat airline training out there while making a very fair wage, then consider Cathay. Don't knock them until you have done some serious reseach and interviewed with five different carriers like I have.

I would contend, respectfully, that Cathay looks like a good choice, but that the view is slanted by the current (albeit, temporary) state of the US airline industry. Fact is, we didn’t here much of anything about Cathay when the U.S. majors were hiring. Based on my research, Cathay looks like an okay job, but not a great one. Here are some negatives:

1. No union protection – There are at least 49 guys at Cathay that would agree this is important. The way I understand it, they are being offered the chance to re-interview for a job with the company.
2. 92 guaranteed days off a year only equals 8 days a month. Otherwise, the company can do with you as they will. Cannot bid certain trips, only put in a “request” for certain days off. Company assigns your aircraft and base and can change them if they desire.
3. Company controls the seniority list and can change it if they desire.
4. Company can really make about any change they want.
a. In 1993 Cathay instituted a B scale
b. In 1994 came a C scale with total reduction of 37-40%
c. Employment contract can be cancelled with 7 day notice in first year and 3 month notice after that.
5. U.S pilots don’t get even a 401k. Retirement contribution paid to you in salary which = taxes.
6. Only Hong Kong pilots get potential bonus.
7. Their interview process reminds me of the lower level regional operations in the U.S. Like to ask impossible questions to make themselves feel smart.


I’m sure there are lots of good things, about Cathay, but lets call a spade a spade. Please correct me if this info is wrong.

 

[Corny]

...................

 

[Cpt. Underpants]

Michael Jackson (Do You Actually Drink Pepsi?)



Temporary, is it? I would disagree. The heyday of US aviation, my friend, is over. I don't rejoice in this, I just feel that US complacency has allowed the Europeans (in manufacturing) and the Asians (in service) to beat them at their own game. Do want to dispute this? Compare Airbus vs. Boeing sales and then when you have a little spare time, fly UAL TO HKG and CX back. That will be meaningful research.

The union protection issue. WRONG. There is a union, and the company is currently negotiating with the union. Re the protection issue, it lies fair and square with the government, not the union. I would also argue that PATCO thought it's union was protecting the members in 1981...

GDO's are 8 a month, but as a hard-working A scale captain, I am at max hours with many more days than that EVERY month. PM me and I'll send you my schedule. They do assign your aircraft, but not your base. If you're talking US bases on the freighter, they will advise you of base availability - the choice is limited to ANC, JFK, ORD and LAX. You can live anywhere you choose, and commute at will. Before you sound off on the jumpseat issue, no, CX does not have any reciprocity - but that's an FAA issue as CX is neither a 121 nor 135 carrier.

No, they cannot change the seniority at will. Where did you get that?

Changes...Hmm. You'll want to talk to CAL, DL, USAir and AA drivers about changes. CX is no different to any other large carrier - it's their train set and it's their right.

Yes. See above. AA, Uncle Tom Cobbly and all don't have differentiated pay scales?

Yes. Ditto.

ANY employer has the right to terminate any employee provided there is due process. Yes, the 49'ers were terminated without due process, and although CX is loath to admit it, it has cost them dearly in $$$ and reputation. I will stake my (substantial) A scale salary that any terminations will be by the book from now on. While I am on the soapbox, CX fires for a few (reasonable) reasons: If you commit a civil crime, go bankrupt, embarras CX publicly, fail to meet standards and my personal favourite, steal from CX, you will be terminated. Sounds fair to me, being the non-criminal, low-profile, financially sound, performing, honest person that I am.

CX is not a US company, so it has nothing to gain from a 401(K) program for it's (minority) US employees. Invest, young man. Stay away from internet stocks.

ALL Hong Kong EMPLOYEES are entitled to a (discretionary) 13th month Christmas bonus, usually adequately covering the year-end tax bill. In my 15 years with CX it has only not been paid once, during the SARS year of 2003. ALL employees get the profit share "bonus" irrespective of domicile.

CX has, without doubt, the most balanced interview process I have ever encountered. I should know. PM me and I'll tell you why.

I would say that your research is somewhat incorrect. Don't believe all you read on PPRuNe, it's full of know-it-all wannabee's and embittered rejects.



Breathe deeply now...

 

[Dizel8]

So for those of you in the know, how many different pay schemes are there for pilots at CXand what is the difference between top and bottom in the same seat?

If there is indeed a effective union on the property, is this something they will be changing?

 

[Lear70]

Going bankrupt is a terminatable offense? Since when did bankruptcy become the equivalent of commiting a civil crime or company theft?

 

[treetopflyer]

so does having a prior bankrupcy preclude you from employment at CX?

anyone who has first hand knowledge?

 

[Bankangle]

degree required?

I met the Cathay folks at a Air inc job fair...The gale their said I was competitive and they took my resume and were suppose to send a application.. However are they big on applicants having a degree? Thanks

Its very nice of you gents at Cathay to be so kind to answer all these questions.

 

[sgu]

I do not recall seeing anything on the app saying a certain credit score was needed to become an employee. If they ask then just be honest. It was not asked in my 1st interview.