I have never done anything like this before, so I am not really sure what to ask. I recently applied for the Cathay Pacific cadet pilot programme along with a couple of friends, but I am having some trouble fixing some of the parts of the application (mainly the whole Hong Kong and China visa issue). I have tried to reach out to them several times via email, phone, and social media, but have received no response. Would anyone happen to know any Cathay Pacific employees (pilots, cabin crew, recruiters, management, etc.) who could possibly guide us through the process? If we could get their contact information as well, that would be amazing.
So I applied as I live in HK, unfortunately I was not selected, but they will pay for the full training, however, you will only get paid minimum block hours once you have completed training until the cost is paid off or 2 years has paid (whichever comes first). This was what I was told by my friend who got in. For the program they are mostly looking for people who already have the right of abode (Hong Kong Passport or Hong Kong Permanent Resident) in Hong Kong. If you have right of abode in China that is also doable.
It’s kinda weird though that they require international applicants to have a visa before applying. Usually they require one after you have been offered the spot.
No, Cathay Pacific will not sponsor your visa or give you the right to work in Hong Kong for the cadet program. They are only offering to people who can work and live in Hong Kong already. A lot of companies in most countries do that. If you are applying for a work visa in Hong Kong, unless a company is sponsoring you will likely not get one. But there is no point in getting a work visa in China, it will not allow you to work in Hong Kong.
You would require a work visa, but unfortunately that will be tough. My honest recommendation would be to look for a program in the US. Cathay’s cadet program, like many I have seen are really geared towards people who can already work in HK without the need for a visa. To achieve that you either need to be married to someone who already has the right to work and live in Hong Kong and come here on a dependant visa (if the spouse is a HK PR you can work on a dependant visa) or live here for 7 years first, giving you PR status. Sorry if that is not what you were hoping for.
I encountered this issue years ago in another country with their national airline where I wasn’t a PR.
There are likely a few practical and policy-driven reasons (for the general case) for preferring someone with at least local permanent residency:
1)Immigration and employment laws: Airlines must comply with local labor regulations. Hiring non-residents often involves complex visa sponsorships, which can be costly and uncertain.
2)Government subsidies and training bonds: These cadet programs are often subsidized or bonded, meaning the airline invests heavily in training. They want assurance that the candidate will stay and work locally for a set period.
3)National talent pipelines: These programs are designed to nurture local talent and ensure a steady supply of pilots who are culturally and linguistically aligned with the airline’s base of operations.
4)Security and regulatory compliance: Pilots undergo rigorous background checks and licensing through local aviation authorities. Having PR or citizenship simplifies this process.
bruhh why all companies doing like this i was looking for this because in India there is not sponsored programmes at all all costly only its so hard to achieve dreams of becoming pilot for people nowadays
I know it’s a long shot, but I was really trying to avoid the American cadet programs. They’re turning away a lot of applicants right now and even pilots with ATPLs are having a hard time finding jobs at even low cost, regional, and even Part 135 carriers. Bringing my talent abroad was probably one of the least stressful options available. And besides, have you seen America lately? Why would anyone want to stay? ;-;
Even if it’s not possible for me, I still want to get some information for one of my friends. They might have it a bit easier because I think their parents are from Hong Kong.
I’m looking at the Cathay recruiting page and right to live and work in Hong Kong isn’t listed as a requirement for second officers and above. Probably would be smartest to apply at those stages if they sponsor visas then.
But unfortunately I’m stubborn so I’ll probably keep trying to find a way to make this work.
Yes, that is accurate, more skilled workers would be more likely to get sponsored, however, for programs where they cover the cost of training they will not want to spend sponsor a visa and relocation.
