Originally Posted by
Reply1984
I don’t think the pace of resumption at CX is significantly slower than that at SQ. Hong Kong’s reopening is one year later than Singapore. SQ resumed to 90%-95% of pre-pandemic capacity by the end of 2023 so CX reaching that level by 2024 is still OK.
As for the compensation for pilots, after 30%-40% cut, if my understanding is correct, CX’s package is (finally) comparable to the EK’s. I don't think the package itself is a big problem. (And you can tell how those legacy pilots were spoiled in the old days)
As for the figure provided by the pilot union, two things need to be considered. The first is exactly what you mentioned. They do not include the number from UO. I heard that CX transferred some junior pilots(mainly second officers) to UO. The second is that CX closed the overseas base during the pandemic. The pilots based overseas cannot freely operate flights within CX’s network so CX may never need so many local-based pilots to operate flights when their capacity resumes to the pre-pandemic level.
Maybe you are right, and CX will be back to pre-COVID by the end of this year, I have my doubts. Remember EK is zero tax, and currently paying 23-24 weeks profit share, so it is likely that the 'take home' is better than CX by a decent margin now.
If it isn't the package that is an issue for recruitment, then it is likely HK itself, in which case they may need to increase the package to get people to come (and stay). Especially as overseas bases are not offered anymore.