Cathay Pacific aircraft
Asia-Pacific / Hong Kong

Cathay PacificCadet Pilot Programme

A sponsored route from no flying experience to commercial pilot training, built around a career with an airline based in Hong Kong.

SponsoredYear-round applications
VERIFY FIRST. THEN PREPARE.

Is this route right for you?

18 or older; Hong Kong or Chinese Mainland work rights, with eligible IANG / TTPS applicants welcomed. Secondary-school English and maths or science; English certification and HKCAD Class 1 requirements apply.

Source edition: 16 September 2026. This is a summary; the official source controls complete current eligibility, intake and terms.

Entry requirements

18 or older; Hong Kong or Chinese Mainland work rights, with eligible IANG / TTPS applicants welcomed. Secondary-school English and maths or science; English certification and HKCAD Class 1 requirements apply.

Training pathway

Approximately 80 weeks, with ground and flight training through training institutions and flying schools.

Selection process

Application, ICAO English test, computer assessment, interviews, group exercise and medical examination.

Funding & commitment

Cathay describes sponsored training. Obtain the current agreement for allowances, repayment obligations and employment conditions.

Before signing, confirm living costs, extra training, resits, withdrawal and what happens if airline progression does not follow.

HKPAPA PREPARATION FOCUS

Turn research into preparation.

Practise explaining a decision clearly, listening in group discussions and applying basic maths accurately under time pressure.

  1. Verify eligibility and organise work-right, education, English and application evidence.
  2. Practise interview answers from real experience: your actions, results and learning.
  3. Identify gaps in technical understanding and communication, then practise with feedback.
Explore HKPAPA Cadet Preparation →

This is independent learning guidance, not an airline-mandated course or official test content.

Questions about this route

What makes this route different?

Start by checking your work-right evidence and the exact English test accepted for your application date. A degree is not the only educational route.

Can HKPAPA apply for me or guarantee selection?

HKPAPA provides independent preparation, not airline recruitment representation. Submit your formal application through the airline or its appointed school. Eligibility, acceptance, training and employment decisions remain with those organisations.

FROM SHORTLIST TO SELECTION

Found your route? Prepare for the next step.

Build your interview, technical and group-assessment preparation with HKPAPA. Learn to explain your experience and reasoning clearly, with a structured preparation plan.

Explore Cadet Preparation

Want to strengthen your aviation English?

Practise listening and clear spoken communication with ICAO English and radio practice.

Explore ICAO English →Independent learning support, not an official language assessment. Selection, employment and language-level outcomes are not guaranteed.

Keep exploring

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Adapted by HKPAPA Editorial from FlightdeckQ’s source edition. HKPAPA is not an airline recruitment agent and does not imply airline endorsement. Photographs are illustrative, not evidence of training aircraft. Preparation does not guarantee acceptance, employment or a language level.