China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out
Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions
These hotshot aviators, with their international exposure and qualifications, enjoyed a stratospheric level of success in the burgeoning Chinese market. Facing a shortage of experienced pilots, Chinese carriers embraced them with open arms, granting generous benefits and speedy paths to promotion and making few demands in return.
“Other than the warm reminder of no smoking or drinking – part of Chinese regulations on a pilot’s physical condition – overseas captains in China were put on a fast track career runway and cleared for take-off,” recalled one foreign captain still flying with a budget carrier, who requested anonymity due to company policy.
“These were the heady years.”