CX
🇭🇰 Hong KongHiringOneworld

Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong flag carrier. Strict seniority with comprehensive allowances.

¥26M–¥44M
Capt. Salary
¥17M–¥26M
F/O Salary
HK
Base (HKD)
Oneworld
Alliance
Overview

About Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific, founded 1946, is the Hong Kong flag carrier. Hubbing at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), it serves 60+ countries and 100+ cities as a Oneworld core member.

Promotions are on pure seniority — typically 12+ years to captain. While slower, the system is transparent and predictable. Direct Entry F/O hiring is active and pick-up pace has recovered in 2025–2026.

HQ
Hong Kong (HKG)
Founded
1946
Hub
Hong Kong Int'l (HKG)
Destinations
100+ cities
Income Tax
Up to 17% (low)
Ret. Age
65
Salary Data

Pilot Salary (as of March 2026)

* Figures are reference values based on public data and industry benchmarks. Verify actual compensation with each airline's official recruitment information.

PositionSalary RangeAvg / ReferenceNotes
Captain Capt.4 (Senior)
B777/A350 widebody
HKD 1,811,088/yr ($232K)
~¥44M + productivity pay
Captain Capt.1 (New)
HKD 1,372,512/yr ($175K)
~¥26M Just upgraded
First Officer FO2
HKD 1,073,868/yr ($137K)
~¥26M Incl. productivity
First Officer FO1 (New)
HKD 892,416/yr ($114K)
~¥17M

💡 HKD/JPY≈19. Hong Kong income tax max 17% — among the lowest in major cities. Productivity pay (HKD 3,000–5,000/month) and layover allowances added.

Operations

Routes & Fleet

Routes

HKG hub to 100+ cities. Japan (NRT/HND/OSA/NGO/FUK) frequent direct flights. Europe, North America, Australia, Middle East, Southeast Asia, South Asia. All international.

Fleet

A350-900/1000, B777-300ER, B777-200, A321neo

Training

Training & Checkrides

Type Rating

Cathay Pacific City training center adjacent to HKG. Latest generation simulators.

Pure Seniority System

All upgrades, aircraft bids, and schedule bids decided purely by seniority number. Transparent.

Second Officer (SO) Program

Low-hours entry via SO position. Experience accumulates before F/O promotion.

Captain Upgrade (Command)

Typically 12–16+ years. Pure seniority-based — predictable given company size and demand.

Recurrent Checks

Proficiency checks 1–2x per year. Civil Aviation Department (CAD) standards.

Life in Hong Kong

English is one of two official languages. Japanese food and community available. High living costs are a challenge.

Benefits

Benefits & Perks

✈️
Staff Travel

Discount/free tickets for self and family. Cathay Pacific and Oneworld partners.

🏥
Medical/Dental Insurance

Comprehensive family health coverage. Hong Kong high-standard medical facilities.

🏦
MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund)

Hong Kong mandatory retirement savings. Company 5% + personal 5%.

📋
Loss of License Insurance

Income replacement for loss of license.

🎓
Education Allowance

Children's education subsidy (conditions apply). International schools world-class.

📅
Annual Leave

21–35 days annual leave depending on rank. Increases with seniority.

Job Openings

Recruitment Info (as of March 2026)

Hiring status: Hiring

Direct Entry First Officer (DEFO)
Hong Kong-based international F/O.
Hiring
License: Valid ATPL or equivalent foreign license
Min. Hours: 1,500h+ multi-engine IFR
Process: App → Online interview → Sim assessment → HK interview

* As of Nov 2025, online interviews ongoing; simulator assessment planned for Jan 2026. Contact: [email protected]

Second Officer (SO)
Low-hours entry route.
Check Status
License: Frozen ATPL or CPL+IR
Est. Hours: 250–500h
Progression: SO experience → F/O promotion