Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew Salary, Annual Income, Benefits, and Housing (2024)

 Cathay Pacific Cabin Crew Salary, Annual Income, Benefits, and Housing (2024) 

Over the past 1-2 years, Cathay Pacific has made significant changes to the contract terms and benefits for both new and current cabin crew members. 

Notably, there have been many changes in the area of housing support (Housing allowance). These changes were likely part of austerity measures to cope with the losses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the aviation industry returning to its former state and Cathay Pacific achieving profitability last year, the company has shown generosity in incentives, even providing bonuses to new hires.



Cathay Pacific flight attendants often feel valued and respected by the company during their tenure. The company is perceived to treat its flight attendants well, providing good support and benefits.


Now, let's take a closer look at the current salary levels at Cathay Pacific and whether you can afford the high cost of rent in Hong Kong.


Training



Salary:

During training, you will receive a salary of 11,170 HKD, which is approximately 1,500 USD. The training period lasts for 7 weeks.

Accommodation:

For the first 10 weeks, the company provides accommodation, usually in hotel accommodations.

Training Specifics:

Cathay Pacific is known for its rigorous training program. It is explicitly stated in the contract that during the probation period, the company can terminate employment at its discretion. Therefore, it is not uncommon for contracts to end during the training period.

According to a friend of mine who has been a Cathay Pacific flight attendant for 10 years, a significant number of trainees fail during the Safety procedures, particularly in CPR and physical demonstrations. Cathay Pacific has stricter standards compared to other airlines, so it is advisable to practice extensively at home or with friends before and during the training period.



Housing Allowance



Let's start with the housing allowance, which many of you are most interested in.

After the initial 10 weeks of company-provided accommodation, you will need to find your own place to stay in Hong Kong.

First 2 Years:

  • You will receive a housing allowance of 7,000 HKD per month.
  • This is approximately around 895 USD.

From Year 2 to Year 3:

  • The housing allowance will be 5,800 HKD per month.
  • This is approximately around 741 USD.

After 3 Years:

  • There is no specified allowance mentioned beyond the third year. However, according to current flight attendants, promotions significantly increase the basic salary and flight allowances, making it feasible to cover housing costs without additional housing allowance.
  • Many flight attendants rent a two-bedroom apartment and share it with a roommate.

I hope this information helps you envision your future and plan accordingly.



Salary


Once you start flying, you might be curious about how much you will earn.

Basic Salary:

  • Unlike other airlines, Cathay Pacific includes a minimum flight time in the basic salary.
  • The minimum flight time is 70 hours, and for any hours flown beyond this, you will receive a Flight Duty Hour rate.

Basic Salary by Position:

  • As a new hire, you will receive a basic salary of 12,600 HKD(1,612.80 USD).

This basic salary is in addition to the flight duty hour rate for hours flown beyond the minimum 70 hours. Here is a breakdown of the salary components:

  1. Basic Salary:

    • 12,600 HKD per month.
  2. Flight Duty Hour Rate:

    • Earned for any hours flown beyond the 70-hour minimum included in the basic salary.

This structure ensures that your earnings increase with the number of flight hours you complete beyond the basic 70-hour threshold.




Basic Salary (Including 70 Flight Hours)

  • Flight Attendant: 12,600 HKD
    • Approximately 1,610 USD

When you interview with Cathay Pacific, you'll often be asked about your future aspirations, such as where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years. This is because the airline invests significant time and resources in training new hires and hopes that they will stay long-term.

Comparatively, Cathay Pacific offers a higher basic salary and flight allowance for senior positions than other airlines, such as Etihad. Additionally, employees who fly for 10 years can use discounted flight tickets for life, making it an attractive company to work for long-term.

Basic Salary by Position (Including 70 Flight Hours)

  • Flight Attendant: 12,600 HKD

    • Approximately 1,610 USD
  • Flight Purser: 18,200 HKD

    • Approximately 2,320 USD
  • Senior Purser: 25,200 HKD

    • Approximately 3,222 USD
  • Inflight Service Manager: 33,250 HKD

    • Approximately 4,245 USD

Flight Allowance for Hours Beyond 70

For flight hours beyond the included 70 hours, you will receive an additional flight duty hour rate.

Probation Period

  • First 6 Months:
    • Basic Salary: 9,100 HKD
    • Flight Allowance: 120 HKD per flight hour

Understanding these details can help you plan your career and finances as you progress with Cathay Pacific.



Calculating Monthly Salary for 85 Flight Hours

Basic Salary:

  • 12,600 HKD
    • Approximately 1,610 USD

Overtime Flight Allowance:

  • For 15 hours beyond the included 70 hours:
    • 180 HKD per hour x 15 hours = 2,700 HKD
    • Approximately 345 USD

Housing Allowance:

  • 7,000 HKD
    • Approximately 895 USD

Layover Allowance:

  • Estimated 1,200 USD (range: 1,000 - 1,800 USD)

Total Estimated Monthly Salary for 85 Flight Hours:

  • Basic Salary: 1,610 USD
  • Overtime Flight Allowance: 345 USD
  • Housing Allowance: 895 USD
  • Layover Allowance: 1,200 USD

Total:

  • 30,738 HKD (approximately 3,743 USD)

Note: The exact amount may vary depending on the actual layover allowance, flight hours, and other factors. This is an estimated calculation for reference.



Additional Benefits and Advantages of Working at Cathay Pacific



  • Discounted ID Tickets for Family:

    • Family members can use business class ID discount tickets, allowing them to travel at reduced rates.
  • Layover Swap System:

    • Crew members can freely swap layovers, providing greater flexibility and the ability to manage personal schedules more effectively.
  • Comprehensive Health Insurance:

    • The airline provides comprehensive health insurance that covers a wide range of medical needs, ensuring the health and well-being of its crew members.

Personal Insights on Cathay Pacific

From my experience with Cathay Pacific, I have found it to be an airline where crew members can feel a strong sense of belonging and loyalty. Here are some additional highlights:

  • A Sense of Belonging:

    • Crew members often develop a strong attachment to the company, feeling valued and respected.
  • Work-Life Balance:

    • Cathay Pacific offers good work-life balance. For example, my friend recently had a 9-day layover in the US, demonstrating the airline's commitment to providing ample rest periods.
  • Frequent Visits to Korea:

    • The airline offers routes that allow crew members to visit Korea frequently, which can be a significant advantage for those who wish to maintain close ties with family and friends in Korea.

I wish everyone the best of luck with the upcoming recruitment, and I will be sharing various tips to help you succeed in your interviews. 😊

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