Cathay restarts cadet pilot programme, aims to recruit over 800 trainees by 2025

Cathay Pacific is restarting its cadet pilot training programme – two years after suspending it during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic – as the beleaguered carrier stresses its confidence in future recovery. The carrier says Monday it is looking to recruit and train over 800 local cadet pilots by 2025, with the first batch of around 190 trainees joining this year. Cathay also expects to onboard 150 qualified cadets who were supposed to join the airline in 2020, but were unable to do so because of the pandemic. The decision to restart its training programme comes more than a year after it undertook a massive restructuring amid deep financial woes, which saw thousands of employees axed. Says the Oneworld carrier: “Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Cathay Pacific is confident in the development and long-term future of Hong Kong as a premier aviation hub. The airline’s Flight Operations department has been forward planning and reviewing its resources in preparation for the recovery in the aviation market.” <br/>