!

For US-based job applicants - If you require assistance or accommodation in completing any aspect of the application process, please contact the Cathay Pacific Americas Talent Acquisition team at: jobs@cathaypacific.com

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Learn about our flight crew roles
Cathay Pacific recruit Cadet Pilots and First Officers. Second Officers are employed by Cathay Pacific only.

Start your flying career with us today

At Cathay Pacific, our Second Officers are our future captains. If you have a passion for flying and the ambition to develop a career in aviation, we want to hear from you.
By joining the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme, you will receive sponsored training to obtain a Commercial Pilot License and become a pilot to operate regional, long haul and ultra-long haul flights. Cadets will undergo ground training with leading institutions in Hong Kong and around the world. Flying training will be conducted at world-renowned flying training organisations in the United States or Australia. Applications for the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme are open year-round.
Grab the opportunity to start your flying career today!

0
hours flying experience required
55-60
week programme

Benefits

Benefits

HKD 564,000
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
21 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

Apply now if you are/have:

  • The right to live and work in Hong Kong or the Chinese mainland
  • Graduated from secondary school with good passes in English language and Mathematics or Science; a degree in any discipline will also be considered provided you meet the secondary school criteria. Applicants with an Aviation degree will be given a priority.
  • Physically fit and qualified for a Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) Class 1 Medical Certificate*
  • Able to meet our flight deck reach requirements. Candidates may be asked to complete a static reach test and flight simulator reach assessment
  • Achieve ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) English Language Proficiency level 4 or above
  • Successful pre-employment background check (including criminal records)
  • Aged 18 years or above

    • *Refer to HKCAD policy for the full requirement for fitness to fly (HKCAD Aeromedical). As the position you are applying for is a Safety Sensitive Role you are also required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Testing will be done following the HKCAD Guidance for screening of Psychoactive Substances - Annex B, CAD373 (CAD373)

    We will prepare you to fly by:

    • Offering comprehensive ground school theory training and programmes to ensure you build your skills, knowledge and confidence
    • Providing you with support from world-class instructors who will teach you the theory of flying, systems and regulations required to succeed as an airline pilot

    You will then learn to fly by:

    • Spending time in both single and twin-engined light aircraft
    • Practising in jet aircraft Simulators and learning Airline Operating Procedures, Large Jet Handling and Multi-Crew Flying

    You will receive more information about joining Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong as a Second Officer upon successful completion of the Cadet Pilot programme.

    Apply now
HKD 564,000
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
21 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

Watch our videos

Key milestones to becoming a pilot

From Cadet to Pilot

Career progression

Career progression

1. Cadet Pilot

2. Second Officer

3. First Officer

4. Captain

The Cadet Pilot selection process

Online application

ICAO English test

Computer-based test

Interview

Medical examination

FAQs - Cadet Pilot Programme

Good vision is necessary to fulfil the duties of a Pilot. Corrective lenses such as spectacles or contact lenses are acceptable provided they correct your vision to the acceptable vision standards for a pilot’s licence.

Refractive eye surgery such as LASIK is not recommended by Cathay Pacific Airways as a means to correcting vision for purposes of holding a pilot’s licence. This is because (as with all medical procedures) there are potential postoperative complications, which may affect your vision standard and therefore consider you as medically unfit.

Yes, we do. Everyone will be evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

It can take 8 to 10 weeks from the date of your application.

Whilst a university degree with science subjects is preferred, we have recruited secondary school graduates with good passes in science and mathematics and others with a passion in for aviation who have passed all ATPL subjects.

No, it’s not a requirement. Many successful candidates do not have any flying experience.

This is a personal choice. You do not need flying experience to apply. However, a passion for aviation is essential.

Candidates are welcome to re-apply. Individuals will receive a notification of the timeframe for re-application after their unsuccessful test or interview.

The selection process takes place in Hong Kong at our head office Cathay City. Overseas candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation to attend the selection process.

Yes, you do not need to be a Hong Kong Permanent ID card holder, however, you need to have the right to live and work in Hong Kong or the Chinese Mainland.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified in due course, either by phone or email.

After you submitted an online application, you will receive an acknowledge email with a link to access the Candidate portal to edit and update personal information.

If you successfully complete the cadet pilot programme, you will become a Second Officer with the airline. You can then progress to First Officer and then Captain subject to performance and vacancies.
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Start your flying career with us today

At Cathay Dragon, we don’t just train cadet pilots, but future captains. If you have a passion for flying and the ambition to develop a career in aviation, we would like to hear from you. By joining our Cadet Pilot programme, you will receive sponsored training to become a pilot. Applications to the Cadet Pilot Programme are open year-round. Grab the opportunity to start your flying career today!

0
hours flying experience required
58
week programme

Benefits

Benefits

HKD 825,000
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
42 days
Annual leave
Sponsored world-class training in Australia or New Zealand
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

Apply now if you are:

  • A Hong Kong Permanent resident
  • Graduated from secondary school with good passes in English language, Mathematics or Science; a degree in any discipline will also be considered provided you meet the secondary school criteria.
  • Physically fit and qualified for a Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • Able to meet our flight deck reach requirements
  • Achieve ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) English Language Proficiency level 4 or above
  • Aged 18 years or above

We will prepare you to fly by:

  • Offering comprehensive ground school theory training and programmes to ensure you build your skills, knowledge and confidence
  • Providing you with support from world-class instructors who will teach you the theory of flying, systems and regulations required to succeed as an airline pilot

You will then learn to fly by:

  • Spending time in both single and twin-engined light aircraft (DA40 and DA42)
  • Practising in jet aircraft Simulators and learning Airline Operating Procedures, Large Jet Handling and Multi-Crew Flying

You will receive more information about joining Cathay Dragon in Hong Kong as a First Officer upon successful completion of the Cadet Pilot programme.

** Please note, we are not currently hiring for this position.**

HKD 825,000
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
42 days
Annual leave
Sponsored world-class training in Australia or New Zealand
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%
Show more benefits

Career progression

Career progression

1. Cadet Pilot

2. Second Officer

3. First Officer

4. Captain

The Cadet Pilot selection process

Online application

ICAO English test, computer-based test and technical quiz

Initial panel interview

Group exercise and final interview

Medical examination

FAQs - Cadet Pilot Programme

Good vision is necessary to fulfil the duties of a Pilot. Corrective lenses such as spectacles or contact lenses are acceptable provided they correct your vision to the acceptable vision standards for a pilot’s licence.

Refractive eye surgery such as LASIK is not recommended by Cathay Dragon as a means to correcting vision for purposes of holding a pilot’s licence. This is because (as with all medical procedures) there are potential postoperative complications, which may affect your vision standard and therefore consider you as medically unfit.

Yes, we do. Everyone will be evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

It can take four to six months from the date of your application.

Whilst a university degree with science subjects is preferred, we have recruited secondary school graduates with good passes in science and mathematics and others with a passion in for aviation who have passed all ATPL subjects.

No, it’s not a requirement. Many successful candidates do not have any flying experience.

This is a personal choice. You do not need flying experience to apply. However, a passion for aviation is essential.

Candidates can re-apply 12 months after their last unsuccessful test or interview.

The selection process takes place in Hong Kong at our head office Cathay City. Overseas candidates are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation to attend the selection process.

All candidates for the Cadet Pilot Programme must be a holder of a Permanent HK ID card. We accept applications globally for First Officer position and successful candidates will be sponsored for their Hong Kong employment visa.

Shortlisted candidates will be notified in due course, either by phone or email.

Should you have any update on your application, please email recruit.cockpit@cathaydragon.com

If you successfully complete the cadet pilot programme, you will become a First Officer with the airline. You can then progress to Captain subject to performance and vacancies.
Show more
"There’s nothing better than learning from and being a part of the team that makes one of the world’s safest airlines."
Edwin Sham,
Second Officer, Cathay Pacific
250
Minimum hours of flying experience required

Benefits

Benefits

HKD 564,000*
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
From HKD14,000*
Monthly Allowance

*Latest figures as of Jan 2023, subject to periodic review
21 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

Apply now to become a Hong Kong-based Second Officer if you meet the following requirements:

  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with a Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and same state ATPL examinations credits – obtained without exemption or conversion
    * CPL holder, must be eligible for HKCPL on conversion according to DCA607
  • Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
  • Minimum 250 hours of flying experience
  • Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • ICAO English language proficiency Level 4 or above
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
** We are not hiring for this position at this point in time – thank you for your interest. Please check back regularly as our requirements can, and do change.**
HKD 564,000*
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
From HKD14,000*
Monthly Allowance

*Latest figures as of Jan 2023, subject to periodic review
21 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

The Second Officer selection process

Online application

Information verification

2-day selection process

1st day: group exercise / simulator assessment / technical quiz
2nd day: panel interview / suitability questionnaire / medical examination / ICAO English test / Benefits briefing session

FAQs - Second Officer Programme

Yes, we do. Everyone will be evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

No. All applications are evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

Yes, candidates must hold a valid Multi Engine Instrument Rating.

Our requirements may change over time based on operational needs, please refer to our job posting for the latest.

The selection process is held in Hong Kong at our head office Cathay City for both Second Officers and First Officers.

Yes, it’s the responsibility of the candidate to obtain any necessary visa documentation in order to visit Hong Kong for the selection process.

Yes, Cathay Pacific will provide relocation assistance for successful candidates who reside overseas.

It’s a requirement for candidates to obtain endorsed logbooks. If this couldn’t be done before the selection process, please be prepared to obtain it at a later stage if you are found successful.

Candidates can re-apply 12 months after their last unsuccessful interview.

Fleets are assigned according to operational needs.

Yes, Cathay Pacific offers education allowance for pilots based in Hong Kong.

Yes, all Cathay Pacific pilots are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment.

All new joining Second Officers and First Officers do not receive a housing allowance. However they do receive a monthly pilots allowance towards the cost of living in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong rental prices will vary subject to your personal requirements and location preferences.

Hong Kong has a variety of schooling options available to expat families. All major International curriculums are catered for. It is the responsibility of the candidate to find suitable options.

Yes, Cathay Pacific provides medical coverage for its pilots and their designated dependants. For pilots based in the United States, our medical service provider is Cigna.
This Cigna link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.
Show more
"There's a real sense of community among us, and even though we're a huge family spread all over the world. Everyone brings a very positive attitude and that doesn't just make a difference to our customers."
Marcus Cheung,
First Officer, Cathay Pacific
1,500
Minimum hours of flying experience required

Benefits

Benefits

HKD 865,000*
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
From HKD20,000*
Monthly Allowance

*Latest figures as of Jan 2023, subject to periodic review
28 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

Apply now to become a Hong Kong-based First Officer if you meet the following requirements:

  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with a Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and same state ATPL examinations credits – obtained without exemption or conversion

    * CPL holder, must be eligible for HK ATPL on conversion

    * For ATPL Conversion you must have 500 hours P1 U/S or 250 hours P1 and/or P1 U/S including at least 70 hours as P1

  • Minimum 1,500 hours total flying time (3,000 hours preferred)
  • 500 hours on civil registered transport aircraft certified for multi-crew operations according to the type certificate and having a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) > 45,000 kg
  • Valid Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • ICAO English language proficiency Level 4 or above
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate

The selection process consists of pre-employment medical check including HKCAD Class 1 medical*. Successful candidates are required to pass pre-employment background check (including criminal records).

*Refer to HKCAD policy for the full requirement for fitness to fly (HKCAD Aeromedical). As the position you are applying for is a Safety Sensitive Role you are also required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Testing will be done following the HKCAD Guidance for screening of Psychoactive Substances - Annex B, CAD373 (CAD373)
Apply now
HKD 865,000*
Target Annual Salary based on achieving Target Annual Block Hours
From HKD20,000*
Monthly Allowance

*Latest figures as of Jan 2023, subject to periodic review
28 days
Annual leave
A competitive remuneration package
Discounted travel for you and eligible dependents
Medical coverage for you and your dependents
Global children's education allowance available to eligible officers
Discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment for eligible officers
Company contribution to a pension scheme
Typical Hong Kong tax rate at around 17%

The First Officer selection process

Online application

Information verification

Suitability assessment / Panel interview

Sim assessment / ICAO English test / medical examination

FAQs – First Officer Programme

Yes, we do. Everyone will be evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

No. All applications are evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

Yes, candidates must hold a valid Multi Engine Instrument Rating.

Our requirements may change over time based on operational needs, please refer to our job posting for the latest.

The selection process is held in Hong Kong at our head office Cathay City for both Second Officers and First Officers.

Yes, it’s the responsibility of the candidate to obtain any necessary visa documentation in order to visit Hong Kong for the selection process.

Yes, Cathay Pacific will provide relocation assistance for successful candidates who reside overseas.

It’s a requirement for candidates to obtain endorsed logbooks. If this couldn’t be done before the selection process, please be prepared to obtain it at a later stage if you are found successful.

Candidates can re-apply 12 months after their last unsuccessful interview.

Fleets are assigned according to operational needs.

Yes, Cathay Pacific offers education allowance for pilots based in Hong Kong.

Yes, all Cathay Pacific pilots are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment.

All new joining Second Officers and First Officers do not receive a housing allowance. However they do receive a monthly pilots allowance towards the cost of living in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong rental prices will vary subject to your personal requirements and location preferences.

Hong Kong has a variety of schooling options available to expat families. All major International curriculums are catered for. It is the responsibility of the candidate to find suitable options.

Yes, Cathay Pacific provides medical coverage for its pilots and their designated dependants. For pilots based in the United States, our medical service provider is Cigna.
This Cigna link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.
Show more
"Cathay Dragon flies to a variety of destinations where we operate into international airports with sophisticated operations or smaller regional airports with minimal facilities. As a pilot it is challenging yet rewarding."
Loretta Chan,
First Officer, Cathay Dragon
1500
hours flying experience required

By joining Cathay Dragon as a pilot, you will operate short haul and regional flights. Apply now to become a Hong Kong-based First Officer if you meet the following requirements:

  • Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), or
  • Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with a Multi Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) and same state ATPL examinations credits – obtained without exemption or conversion
  • Minimum 1500 hours flying experience in fixed wing aircraft
  • The total hour requirement might be reduced for A320 / A330 rated individuals, with time on type
  • Valid Class 1 medical certificate
  • ICAO English language proficiency level 4 or above
  • Non-type rated are welcome to apply

Some of the training you will go through to be ready to fly our fleet include:

  • Type rating training for Cathay Dragon’s Airbus A320/1 or A330 fleets conducted in the Cathay Pacific Group Flight Training Centre in Hong Kong
  • Airbus type-rated pilots to complete a short course for either fleet, and non-Airbus type-rated pilots to complete a full conversion course
  • Line Flying Under Supervision training prior to release to line operations tailored to the new-joining pilot’s experience level, with an emphasis on maximum exposure to Cathay Dragon’s varied operating environment
  • Further training programmes to assist first officers in developing command skills prior to commencing a command upgrade course

** Please note, we are not currently hiring for this position.**

The First Officer selection process

Online application

Information verification

Suitability assessment / Panel interview

Sim assessment / ICAO English test / medical examination

FAQs – First Officer Programme

Yes, we do. Everyone will be evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

Candidates are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to attend the initial interview. If you’re invited to attend a final interview in Hong Kong, Cathay Dragon will provide flights and accommodation for First Officer applicants only.

Please update your application through our online application portal, using your login email and password.

Candidates can re-apply 12 months after the last unsuccessful interview.

Either the A320 or A330 fleet, depending on operational needs.

Yes, Cathay Dragon will provide relocation assistance for successful candidates who reside overseas.

Yes, Cathay Dragon offers education allowance for pilots based in Hong Kong.

Yes, all Cathay Dragon pilots are eligible for a discretionary year-end bonus and profit share payment.

All new joining First Officers do not receive a housing allowance. However they do receive a monthly special allowance towards the cost of living in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong rental prices will vary subject to your personal needs and location preferences.

Hong Kong has a variety of schooling options available to expat families. All major International curriculums are catered for. It is the responsibility of the candidate to find suitable options.

Yes, Cathay pacific provides medical coverage for its pilots and their designated dependants.

No. All applications are evaluated under the same selection criteria, and treated equally during the selection process or training.

No, this is not a requirement. We welcome applications from overseas candidates who do not hold a Hong Kong Identity card.

The selection process is held in Hong Kong at our head office Cathay City.

Yes, it’s the responsibility of the candidate to obtain any necessary visa documentation in order to visit Hong Kong for the selection process.

All new joining First Officers will be based in Hong Kong.
Show more