Chinese Pilots Demand Pay Parity with Expats
Pilots flying for Air China complain that their foreign colleagues earn more and draw more desirable flight schedules.
Some of Air China's homegrown pilots have issued a complaint charging that their expatriate counterparts earn more, work less and draw more desirable routes. (Photo: Boeing)
Some of Air China's homegrown pilots have issued a complaint charging that their expatriate counterparts earn more, work less and draw more desirable routes. (Photo: Boeing)

More than 100 Air China pilots have signed an open letter to management complaining of unequal treatment between homegrown flight crew and their expatriate counterparts, according to Chinese state-controlled media. The letter, now circulating on the Internet, alleges that foreign pilots enjoy more desirable schedules and routes as well as higher pay, a circumstance attributed to the desperation of airlines in fast expanding air transport markets to fill their cockpits with experienced crewmembers.