Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, is a popular name for travellers across the world. With a strong presence throughout Asia and long-haul routes to Europe, North America and Oceania, the airline is well-known for its fine service and modern fleet. In 2025, it operates around 180 aircraft, serving over 80 destinations and offers one of the most competitive pilot salaries in the world.
As travel demand climbs back to pre-pandemic levels, there’s a huge demand for skilled pilots. With more aircraft and expanded routes, Cathay is once again hiring, making it a great time to look into what pilots earn at the airline and what life is like in the cockpit.
Whether you’re thinking about starting your flying career or you’re already a licensed pilot weighing your next move, here’s what you need to know about pilot pay and progression at Cathay Pacific this year.
Cathay Pacific Pilot Salary in 2025
Cathay Pacific Captain Salary
Captains at Cathay Pacific are the most experienced pilots in the airline, in charge of the aircraft and everything else on board. They’re responsible for managing the flight, leading the cockpit crew, and making key decisions during every stage of the journey.
In 2025, a captain at Cathay can expect a base salary of about HKD 1,111,000 (roughly USD $144,000) per year. On top of that, there’s a guaranteed minimum of 50 flying hours each month and a monthly allowance of around HKD 27,500 (USD $3,500).
As captains build experience and fly more hours, especially on long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350, their total earnings can push well past HKD 2 million per year.
Cathay Pacific First Officer Salary
First Officers are second in command but still play an irreplaceable role. They help fly the aircraft, handle radio communications, and keep everything running smoothly in partnership with the captain. On long-haul routes, they often take the controls while the captain takes a break.
At Cathay Pacific, first officers start with an annual base salary of around HKD 898,500 (approximately USD $115,200), plus monthly allowances of about HKD 20,500 (USD $2,620). As with captains, they have a 50-hour monthly flying minimum.
Cathay Pacific Second Officer Salary
Second officers are usually fresh out of training, often graduates of Cathay’s in-house cadet programme or partner flight schools. They’re typically assigned to long-haul flights, helping with cruise phases and gradually building the experience needed for promotion.
Notably, the starting salary for a Second Officer in 2025 is around HKD 583,000 per year (roughly USD $74,800), with a monthly allowance of about HKD 13,500 (USD $1,760). They also receive a guaranteed 50 flying hours per month.
Cathay Pacific Pilot Benefits
Pilots at Cathay enjoy a series of leading travel benefits, solid healthcare coverage, generous leave policies, and financial support for children’s education.
- Annual Leave: Cathay Pacific offers a generous leave policy. Second officers receive 21 days of annual leave, first officers get 28, and captains enjoy 35 paid days off per year. In addition to this, all pilots are entitled to 12 days of sick leave annually and benefit from Hong Kong’s public holidays with compensatory days off if they’re rostered to fly.
- Discounted Travel: Pilots and their immediate family members enjoy significant discounts on Cathay Pacific flights, as well as on partner airlines within the codeshare network. These benefits include access to premium cabins, and there’s no limit on the number of tickets they can book throughout the year.
- Medical Coverage: Cathay ensures pilots and their families are well looked after with a comprehensive medical insurance package. Coverage is valid worldwide and includes full support for medical treatment even when away from base, giving crew members peace of mind wherever they’re flying.
- Education Allowance: Pilots with school or university-aged children can access an education allowance. This benefit supports the cost of tuition fees within Hong Kong for dependents up to the age of 21, making it easier for families to manage education expenses locally.
- Bonus Scheme: The airline runs a performance-related bonus system. Payouts are assessed based on how well both the individual and the company perform over the year, with many pilots receiving a substantial bonus at the end of the financial period.
- Pension Scheme: Cathay Pacific offers a retirement savings plan that pilots can opt into. While it involves contributing a portion of their salary now, it ensures a more secure financial future with continued payments post-retirement.
Cathay Pacific Fleet in 2025
The Hong Kong-based airlines operates a diverse and modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, supporting both passenger and cargo operations. As of July 2025, the airline has 179 aircraft in active service and 71 more on order, with major upgrades and deliveries scheduled through the end of the decade.
| Aircraft Type | In Service | Orders | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A321neo | 16 | 14 | Originally ordered for Cathay Dragon; deliveries continue through 2029. |
| Airbus A330-300 | 43 | — | Largest operator; refurbishments from 2026; some retirements planned. |
| Airbus A330-900 | — | 30 | Order includes 30 options; deliveries begin in 2028. |
| Airbus A350-900 | 30 | — | |
| Airbus A350-1000 | 18 | — | |
| Boeing 777-300 | 17 | — | Launch customer and largest operator. |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 35 | — | Fleet refurbishments ongoing; Aria Suites and Premium Economy included. |
| Boeing 777-9 | — | 21 | Deliveries start in 2026. |
| Airbus A350F | — | 6 | Deliveries from 2027. |
| Boeing 747-400ERF | 6 | — | |
| Boeing 747-8F | 14 | — |
How to Become a Cathay Pacific Pilot?
Second Officer Requirements (Cadet Route):
- CPL or Frozen ATPL with Multi-Engine IR
- Minimum 250 flying hours (though 1,000+ is preferred)
- Eligibility to convert to Hong Kong CPL (DCA607 standard)
- Class 1 Medical
- ICAO English Level 4 or higher
First Officer Requirements (Direct Entry):
- CPL with ATPL theory or full ATPL
- 1,500+ total flight hours (3,000+ preferred)
- 500 hours as P1 (max 250 hours can be P1 U/S)
- Class 1 Medical and English Level 4+
Captain Requirements:
- At least 4,000 total flight hours
- 1,500 hours on jets or turbine aircraft
- 500 hours must be on Cathay-operated aircraft
- Hong Kong ATPL with no exam exemptions
- Class 1 Medical and ICAO English Level 4
Cathay also runs an in-house cadet programme, offering aspiring pilots a clear path to the cockpit with full training and mentorship.
Cathay Pacific Pilot’s Hiring Process
The hiring process is straightforward but selective:
- Apply Online – Submit your application via Cathay’s careers page
- Interview – A mix of HR and technical questions related to the role as well as psychometric abilities to pursue the role successfully.
- Simulator Assessment – Hands-on flying scenarios, while their medical records and background are also verified.
- Medical & Background Check – Ensures fitness and compliance
- Job Offer – Conditional on documents and, for international candidates, a work permit
Bottom Line – Cathay Pacific Pilot Salary
Cathay Pacific Airways is the pinnacle of flying for many pilots around the world, and particularly those in Southeast Asia. Not only do they offer attractive pay, but they are also based in one of the planet’s most cosmopolitan cities, Hong Kong.
Moreover, pilots have the chance to fly some of the world’s most popular aircraft. while receiving a very good salary. However, what truly sets Cathay apart is how they value employees with industry-leading benefits.
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