Cadet Pilot Programme

Role Introduction

At Cathay, our Second Officers are our future captains. If you have a passion for flying and the ambition to develop a career in aviation, we want to hear from you.

By joining the Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme you will receive sponsored training to obtain a Commercial Pilot License and become a pilot to operate regional, long haul and ultra-long haul flights. Cadets will undergo ground training with leading institutions in Hong Kong and around the world. Flying training will be conducted at world-renowned flying training organisations in the United States or Australia. Applications to the ~80-week Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme are open year-round. Grab the opportunity to start your flying career today!

Key Responsibilities

We will prepare you to fly by:

• Offering comprehensive ground school theory training to ensure you build your skills, knowledge and confidence
• Providing you with support from world-class instructors who will teach you the theory of flying, systems and the regulations required to succeed as an airline pilot

You will then learn to fly by:

• Spending time in both single and twin-engined light aircraft
• Practicing in jet aircraft Simulators and learning Airline Operating Procedures, Large Jet Handling and Multi-Crew Flying

Requirements

Apply now if you are/have:

• The right to live and work in Hong Kong or the Chinese Mainland (Candidates eligible for IANG / TTPS are also welcomed to apply)
• Graduated from secondary school with good passes in English language and Mathematics or Science. A university or aviation degree will be an advantage
• Hold a valid certificate of proficiency in English* from one of the below:
  • IELTS: (Academic or General) score of 6.0 or above (with individual band score Listening: 6+ & Speaking: 6+)
  • TOEIC (Public Test): score of 800 or above (with individual band score Listening: 400+ & Speaking: 160+)
  • TOEFL iBT:
    • Total score of 80 or above (with individual band score Listening: 21+ & Speaking: 21+) [For tests taken prior to 21 January 2026]
    • Total score of 4.5 or above (with individual band score Listening: 4.5+ & Speaking: 4.5+) [For tests taken after 21 January 2026]

*Test results must be within the validity period and will be verified during the recruitment process.

• Physically fit and qualified for a Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD) Class 1 Medical Certificate*
• Able to meet our flight deck reach requirements. Candidates may be asked to complete a static reach test and flight simulator reach assessment
• Achieve ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) English Language Proficiency level 4 or above
• Successful pre-employment background check (including criminal records)
• Aged 18 years or above

*Refer to HKCAD policy for the entire requirement for fitness to fly ( HKCAD Aeromedical ). As the position you are applying for is a Safety Sensitive Role, you must also pass a pre-employment drug test. Testing will be completed following the HKCAD Guidance for screening of Psychoactive Substances - Annex B, CAD373 ( CAD373)

You will receive more information about joining Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong as a Second Officer upon successful completion of the Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Programme.

Personal & Application Information

Cathay Pacific is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our Applicant Personal Information Collection Statement and for recruitment purposes only. Candidates not notified within eight weeks may consider their application unsuccessful. We keep records of your data for no longer than is necessary for the purpose for which we obtained them and any other permitted linked purposes. If your application is unsuccessful, we will keep your details on file for as long as is necessary to process your application or for the purposes of further job opportunities if you agree to such longer periods.