← All airlines
Cathay Pacific vs Singapore Airlines
A side-by-side comparison of pilot careers at Cathay Pacific (CX) and Singapore Airlines (SQ) — covering salary, fleet, requirements, and more.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Cathay Pacific
Singapore Airlines
Country
Hong Kong
Singapore
Airline Type
Major International Airline
Premium International Airline
IATA Code
CX
SQ
Regulatory Authority
FAA
FAA
First Officer Salary
HK$500,000 - HK$900,000
S$100,000 - S$170,000
Captain Salary
HK$1,200,000 - HK$2,000,000
S$250,000 - S$400,000
Fleet
Airbus A321/330/350, Boeing 777
Boeing 737/777/787, Airbus A350/380
Requirements Comparison
Cathay Pacific
- ICAO ATPL
- 2,500+ hours total
- 1,500+ on multi-crew jets
- Class 1 medical
- Hong Kong resident or willing to relocate
Singapore Airlines
- ICAO ATPL
- Minimum 2,500 hours on jets
- Current type rating on wide-body
- Class 1 medical
Pros & Cons
Cathay Pacific
Pros
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
Cons
- –High cost of living in Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines
Pros
- +Industry-leading captain pay
- +Modern fleet with 787 Dreamliner
- +Simplified fleet — fewer type ratings needed
- +Premium global reputation
Cons
- –Type rating required before application
About Each Airline
Cathay Pacific
Hong Kong's flagship carrier offers tax-efficient compensation and access to one of Asia's premium aviation networks.
Full Cathay Pacific career guide →Singapore Airlines
Consistently rated the world's best airline, Singapore Airlines offers premium compensation and the chance to fly the world's most modern fleet.
Full Singapore Airlines career guide →Calculate Your Salary
Model your earning potential at Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines based on your experience, ratings, and career stage.
Salary Calculator