Second Officer Justine Takes the Next Step in Her Career with the Cadet Pilot Programme
Second Officer Justine, who joined Cathay nearly three years ago, developed an interest in aviation as a child. Seeing a flight deck for the first time at the Singapore Airshow sparked her passion for flying. Although she grew up in Singapore, Justine has always considered Hong Kong her home. This deep connection, combined with Cathay’s world-class reputation for safety excellence, inspired her to apply for the Cadet Pilot Programme, officially taking her first step towards becoming a pilot.
The Cathay Culture Embodied in Flight Training
For Justine, the desire to become a pilot stems from a passion for precision and control in managing flight systems. The Cadet Pilot Programme not only taught her essential aviation knowledge and skills, but it also gave her a profound appreciation for the corporate culture that defines Cathay.
She found the support from her mentors during training incredibly encouraging. "There was a time when my performance in the flight simulator fell short of my expectations. Instead of just criticising my performance, my mentor proactively reached out to understand the situation and worked with me to identify areas for improvement." This guidance and constructive feedback allowed her to quickly adapt and learn from the experience.
Accumulating Experience on the Flight Deck
Stepping onto the flight deck in her Cathay uniform for the first time was the moment Justine truly felt like a pilot. "Knowing that the entire crew and all our passengers are placing their trust in me brings a great sense of responsibility." To her, flying is far more than a job; it is a mission that demands focus and professional judgment.
Flight crews need to collaborate closely with teams across different departments, while also focusing on continuous learning and reviewing their own performance after each flight. Justine believes this collaborative environment has helped build her confidence and deepened her understanding of a pilot’s roles and responsibilities. The company’s clear career progression pathway also allows her to hone her technical expertise while developing her decision-making and leadership skills.
Continuous Growth for Endless Horizons
To Justine, Cathay’s recruitment campaign, "Make Your Career Move" represents more than just professional development; it is a journey of continuous exploration and self-improvement. She emphasises that while flight training demands discipline and dedication, constant self-reflection and continuous improvement are equally critical. Offering encouragement to aspiring aviation professionals, she says: "As long as you have a clear goal and maintain a passion for learning, you will grow every step of the way."
