It is not just airlines in Hong Kong that need pilots. Fast-growing carriers in mainland China are also desperate to fill seats in the cockpit - although mainly with experienced captains rather than first officers. Also, starting a new life in the People's Republic may not be as challenging as some think, despite the perceived language and cultural barriers.
"We see many pilots from all over the world coming to China who are very happy to live here," says Ray Han, recruitment director for Unic Aviation, a Hong Kong agency that represents, among others, Beijing Capital Airlines, Chengdu Airlines and Xiamen Airlines. "The salaries are high and the living costs are low. There are no cultural problems. Chinese people and staff at the airlines are very friendly and there are always good relationships."
China today - with its booming cities filled with Western retail outlets - is very different to the People's Republic of 20 years ago. More than three million expatriates call it home, professionals of all descriptions, as well as migrant workers from Asia, many employed in China's rampant construction sector.
Although not every Chinese provincial, industrial city offers the bright lights and activities of Beijing, Shanghai or Shenzhen, most have a lively expatriate social scene. For pilots with families, settling in China is also easy. "There are very good international schools in most of the cities," says Han.
China's demand for foreign pilots is unlikely to dry up soon. Even though several schools have been set up to train entry-level first officers, the sheer growth in demand and the fact that China is still a relative newcomer when it comes to running Western-standard airlines means there will be a short supply of experienced pilots and managers for some time.
"Chinese airlines will have a great demand for foreign expertise, especially pilots, for five or 10 years," says Bessie Wang of Shenzhen-based Flightcrew Resources International, which recruits overseas pilots for Air China and Shenzhen Airlines. Even when home-grown pilots move up the ranks, there will still be a need for those who can bring in expertise from other airlines, she points out.
FRI has recruited more than 50 overseas pilots for Shenzhen Airlines. Most brought families tand were given assistance with housing, education and health insurance, says Wang.
A glance at FRI's website shows the attraction of working in a city where living costs, according to the company, are a quarter of those in Brazil. Basic pay for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 captains with Shenzhen Airlines is $177,400 a year, while for a type-rated 747-400 captain with Air China Cargo that rises to $194,400 plus bonus. An A330 captain with Air China gets a package of $14,000 a month.
On Unic Aviation's site, Xiamen Airlines is offering $12,400 a month for 737 captains on a "non-commuting" contract. Captains flying A320s for Beijing Capital Airlines can expect $198,000 with bonuses. A320 captains for Chengdu Airlines are paid $14,500 a month.
Most airlines ask for 4,000h or 5,000h total flying time and typically request 500h as pilot in command on type. Many put an age limit of 55 on applicants. There are generally fixed contract terms of between two and five years.
Advertised salaries often include a complex package of other benefits, such as family travel allowances and bonuses, and contractual hours and leave can vary, so the headline salary figures are not directly comparable. But with the Chinese airline market unlikely to contract any time soon and the opportunity for promotion in growing carriers, the attractions for experienced pilots are evident.
Wang adds: "Frankly speaking, Chinese aviation is booming and working in China not only means more salary and lower living costs, but a stable job opportunity."
Source: Flight International
