Second Officer (Cadet Pilot Programme)

About the Role

Cathay Pacific invites aspiring aviation professionals to embark on a transformative career journey as a Second Officer, a pivotal role designed to cultivate future Captains. This opportunity is ideal for individuals with a profound passion for flying and a strong ambition to develop a distinguished career in commercial aviation.

Successful candidates will join the highly prestigious Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme, an approximately 80-week, year-round sponsored training initiative. This comprehensive programme is meticulously structured to enable cadets to obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), equipping them to operate regional, long-haul, and ultra-long-haul flights upon graduation.

The Cadet Pilot Programme

The programme encompasses rigorous ground training conducted at leading aviation institutions in Hong Kong and globally. Practical flying training will be undertaken at world-renowned organisations located in the United States or Australia. This holistic approach ensures cadets receive unparalleled instruction and practical experience.

Key Training and Development

Throughout the programme, cadets will be meticulously prepared for flight operations through:

Receiving comprehensive ground school theory training, designed to build essential skills, knowledge, and confidence required of an airline pilot.
Benefiting from the guidance of world-class instructors who impart in-depth knowledge of flying theory, aircraft systems, and critical aviation regulations.

Practical flight instruction will involve:

Extensive flight time in both single and twin-engined light aircraft, fostering foundational piloting skills.
Advanced practice in state-of-the-art jet aircraft simulators, focusing on Airline Operating Procedures, Large Jet Handling, and Multi-Crew Flying techniques.

Upon successful completion of the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme, graduates will be ready to join Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong as a Second Officer.

Essential Requirements

Prospective candidates for the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme must meet the following criteria:

Possess the legal right to live and work in Hong Kong or the Chinese Mainland. Candidates eligible for IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates) or TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme) are also encouraged to apply.
Have successfully graduated from secondary school with strong academic passes in English language and either Mathematics or Science. A university degree or an aviation-related degree will be considered a significant advantage.
Be physically fit and qualify for a Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) Class 1 Medical Certificate*.
Be capable of meeting flight deck reach requirements. Candidates may be required to complete both a static reach test and a flight simulator reach assessment.
Achieve an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) English Language Proficiency level of 4 or above.
Successfully pass a pre-employment background check, including criminal records.
Be aged 18 years or above.

*For comprehensive details regarding fitness to fly, candidates are advised to refer to the HKCAD policy for the entire requirement for fitness to fly (HKCAD Aeromedical). As this position is classified as a Safety Sensitive Role, successful applicants must also pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. This testing will be conducted in strict adherence to the HKCAD Guidance for screening of Psychoactive Substances – Annex B, CAD373.

Application Information

Cathay Pacific is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants is handled with the utmost confidentiality, strictly in accordance with the company’s personal data policy and solely for recruitment purposes.

Applicants who do not receive notification within eight weeks may consider their application unsuccessful. All related application information will be retained on file for a period of up to 24 months. A copy of Cathay Pacific’s Personal Information Collection Statement can be provided upon request by contacting the Data Protection Officer.