Cathay Pacific Cadet Pilot Program 2026
Ab-initio training for Hong Kong permanent residents with guaranteed FO position upon completion.
Cost
Partially sponsored (training bond)
Duration
24 months training
Sponsored
Yes
Program Overview
Program Name
Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme
Description
Ab-initio training for Hong Kong permanent residents with guaranteed FO position upon completion.
Fleet You Will Fly
Bases After Graduation
Entry Requirements
Certificates
ICAO ATPL
Total Flight Time
2,500+ hours
Jet Time
1,500+ on multi-crew jets
Medical
Class 1 medical
Career Progression Timeline
Start cadet training
Begin ground school and initial flight training.
Complete training
Earn commercial license/type rating and join as First Officer.
Senior First Officer
Build experience, potentially start command training.
Captain upgrade
Command seat with significant salary increase.
Senior Captain / Management
Training captain, fleet manager, or management pilot roles.
Is It Worth It? ROI Analysis
The Cathay Cadet Pilot Programme is fully sponsored, meaning selected candidates pay nothing for training. This is an exceptional opportunity with no upfront financial risk.
Bottom line: A fully sponsored cadet programme is almost always worth pursuing if you meet the selection criteria.
Application Tips
Hong Kong offers tax-efficient compensation
Premium Asia-Pacific network
Cadet scheme for Hong Kong residents
A350 fleet is expanding
Frequently Asked Questions
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