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

*For medical certification requirements, please refer to HKCAD Aeromedical Matters. As the position you are applying for is a Safety Sensitive Role, you are also required to pass a pre-employment drug test. Testing will be conducted in accordance to the HKCAD Guidance for Screening of Psychoactive Substances - Annex B (CAD373).

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