China has one of the world’s most competitive aviation businesses, with 57 airlines currently operating. Nine of the mainland’s major carriers are full-service, with 11 low-cost options that provide access to practically every part of the world either directly or through a global network of alliances and codeshare agreements.
There are over 10,000 pilots in China, which was battling a shortage of aviators many years ago. The world’s second most populous country and one of the largest by land area continues to grow in the air, thanks to its residents’ enormous disposable money, which is mostly spent on domestic and international leisure travel.
Pilots Salary in China
Pilots in China are among the best paid in the world, and the most in Southeast Asia. Only Middle Eastern careers on the continent are known to pay its leaders higher wages.
China recently encouraged pilots to move to the nation by providing wages of up to $300,000 per year for skilled staff with no tax liability.
Every year, over 1 billion Chinese travelers fly, demonstrating the importance of volume. China has a pilot shortage, hence the majority of the airlines’ cockpit staff is imported from outside.
Because of its extremely favorable tax regulations, the Asian superpower is a popular destination for residents of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Why does China Fail to Attract Pilots?
Despite paying some of the best salaries to pilots in the world, China has struggled to hire pilots. Locally, there aren’t enough qualified personnel, and the country lacks flying schools.
A pilot’s training costs hundreds of thousands of dollars, with most courses taking place overseas.
For expatriates, China presents a significant cultural challenge, with the language barrier being one of the most significant obstacles that pilots and their families encounter.
Despite being paid high salaries that are tax-free, foreigners need to pay through their roof for basic necessities like accommodation, education, and insurance – neither of which are commonly offered by airlines in the Arab region.
How to become a pilot in China?
Pilot positions in China are financially profitable, but they also need a significant investment, which might take several years to recover. There are cadet programs and chances to attend flight schools on their own, but their airports are frequently stationed abroad, so the cost is not significantly reduced.
As a result, cadet programs are chosen since they give pilots with the opportunity to get employment upon completion of their education, training, and licensure.
An unusual yet inexpensive way to break into the sector is to join the military and train as an Air Force pilot.
This channel originated in the United States many years ago but is now used by people all over the world; nevertheless, converting credentials and licenses is a time-consuming and costly procedure that may be avoided by taking a more traditional road to becoming a pilot.
How much do Air Force pilots earn in China?
The training required to become an Air Force pilot is not particularly expensive, hence the payoff is substantially lower in this situation.
Individuals who fly in the AF earn approximately $60,000 per year, despite the fact that they are entitled to a number of government privileges, such as lodging, which commercial airlines do not give.
China’s civil services operate in an extremely secure environment, so there is little information available about how an Air Force pilot transitions to the commercial flying industry; however, based on global standards, it is reasonable to assume that a trainee in the AF must spend a few years there before moving into the private sector.
Air China – China’s Flag Carrier
In a highly competitive Chinese aviation business, Air China (CA) is the country’s flag carrier. It is 53% controlled by the Air China Group, a state-owned entity that also operates Air Macau, 18% by Cathay Pacific, and the rest is publicly traded.
Air China, the principal airline, owns a number of additional freight, low-cost, and regional operators in and around China, as well as AMECO Beijing, a supplier of aviation maintenance equipment in China.
CA’s headquarters are in Beijing, the capital city, while an operations hub has been established in Chengdu, in western China.
Air China runs a fleet of roughly 500 aircraft and serves 203 locations worldwide. It has only been in operation for 36 years, yet it is still one of the greatest Southeast Asian airlines in terms of hospitality, on-time performance, and internal and international connectivity near to China.
The Chinese flag carrier’s fleet is primarily made up of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, yet they have recently placed their trust in Comac, a local aerospace development behemoth. CA presently operates 35 Comac aircraft and has over 100 more on order, with delivery scheduled through June 2031. Comac’s planes are now limited to short-haul flights.
Air China is a member of the Star Alliance, the largest of the world’s three most known airline alliances, and has codeshare agreements with over 30 airlines throughout the world. Air Canada is Air China’s joint venture partner, and the airline has an interline arrangement with Pakistan International Airlines.
Air China Pilot Salary and Requirements
Air China expects its pilots to meet the following standards.
- ICAO license (no FAA licenses are accepted). using frozen ATPL.
- Minimum experience of 500 flying hours on the specified aircraft.
- Current type rating on the nominated aircraft
- 500+ hours on the chosen aircraft for first officers.
- 1000+ hours on nominated aircraft for captains.
- Flown on nominated aircraft during the last 12 months, or 24 months if actively flying on any other Multi-Crew Jet Aircraft
- Under 45 years of age.
- Hold an ATPL and have completed secondary school OR Hold a CPL and have a college or university degree/diploma.
Air China pays its first officers between $11,000 and $13,200 per month, with a cost of $145 each flying hour. Captains, on the other hand, earn between $16,500 and $25,000 a month as a base salary, plus $225 for each flying hour.
CA promises at least 80 flying hours each month for its pilots. The appended pay figures are estimates, although expatriates may be paid much more because they are not granted cashless benefits and their remuneration is equivalent with the present figure.
FAQs about China Pilots’ Salary
Pilots in China earn ranging from $60,000 to $300,000 per year. This number is determined by seniority, airline, and other factors, and it may grow if an expatriate joins.
Air China is China’s flag carrier. It operates out of Beijing’s Capital and Daxing airports and is a part of the Star Alliance network.
Air China’s most experienced captains can make up to $300,000 in basic compensation, with the whole payment including flying hours potentially exponentially greater.
Individuals interested in becoming pilots might enroll in a flight school independently or through an airline’s cadet program. A cheaper way to become a pilot is to join the Air Force first and later change your qualifications to become an airliner.