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:
Basic Salary:
- 12,600 HKD per month.
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.