HK Express Becomes First Local Airline to Hire 11 Graduates of the Inaugural Cadet Pilot Programme from Hong Kong International Aviation Academy as Second Officers

The Hong Kong International Aviation Academy (HKIAA) and HK Express Airways (HK Express) proudly announced the recruitment of 11 graduates from HKIAA’s first intake of Cadet Pilot Programme as HK Express’s Second Officers. It is also the first airline to employ cadet pilots from HKIAA. An epaulette presentation ceremony was held today to celebrate this milestone event of pilot training in Hong Kong.

Simon Li, President of HKIAA, said, “At HKIAA, we are dedicated to nurturing and empowering aviation enthusiasts to drive the sustainable development of the aviation industry in Hong Kong and across the region. We launched the first Cadet Pilot Programme two years ago to provide aspiring talents with the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming civil pilots. Today, I am proud to celebrate their success as they take on the role of Second Officer at Hong Kong Express. We greatly value the shared commitment with Hong Kong Express, and our partnership that nurtures the next generation of high-quality airline pilots and shapes the future of aviation.”

Jeanette Mao, CEO of HK Express, said: “As Hong Kong’s only low-cost carrier, one of our key missions is to nurture local aviation talent and contribute to the city’s long term growth as an international aviation hub. We are proud to welcome these cadet graduates to HK Express, and we look forward to watching them take flight – both literally and in their careers. This milestone deepens our collaboration with HKIAA and reinforces our shared belief in creating opportunities for passionate young people to pursue their flying ambitions. By cultivating local pilot talent, we’re also supporting HK Express’s ongoing route and fleet expansion, as well as our broader people development strategy — building the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable aviation future for Hong Kong.”

This initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between HKIAA and its partnering airlines, including HK Express, in September 2023, which provides cadets with preliminary interviews and subsequent interviews for Second Officer positions for the graduates. Since the launch, the Cadet Pilot Programme has successfully completed eight intakes, helping to shape the next generation of Hong Kong pilots.

HKIAA’s Cadet Pilot Programme, which comprises theoretical knowledge instruction courses, flying training and multi-crew cooperation course, prepares aviation enthusiasts to become airline pilots through comprehensive training and examinations. The Programme provides students with the opportunity to undergo flight training in Chengdu, China, or in California, USA. Recently, an A320 flight simulator was introduced to facilitate realistic training scenarios, enhance safety protocols, and prepare students for the demands of modern aviation. The new facility also enables students to complete the multi-crew cooperation course, a mandatory requirement before obtaining a commercial pilot license issued by the Civil Aviation Department.