Self-funded pilot programme takes off as HK Express hires 11 graduates

Hong Kong budget airline HK Express has hired 11 initial graduates from a self-funded cadet pilot programme, including a former driving instructor and a previous employee of the Fire Services Department.

Jeanette Mao, CEO of the airline, linked the hiring of 11 out of 15 graduates from the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy to its rapid expansion strategy.

“As the number of routes and flights increases, our demand for pilot talent will continue to rise,” Mao said on Wednesday. “Therefore, we highly value the long-term cooperation with the Aviation Academy, hoping to cultivate more excellent local pilots for Hong Kong’s aviation industry together.”

Mao added that the airline, Cathay Pacific Airways’ budget carrier, currently operated more than 470 pairs of flights each week, serving 37 destinations.

She confirmed ongoing expansion, stating that the fleet was expected to grow to 43 aircraft by year-end, which would further increase demand for pilot talent.

The academy’s director of flight training and engineering, Jack Ip, said that the first cohort of the cadet pilot programme produced 15 graduates.

“Simply put, I know that when they attend the interview, they are not yet qualified to fly an aircraft, but the question is whether they will have sufficient ability to complete the course after going through our training,” Ip said.