The talent pool in Africa’s Portuguese-speaking countries has been receiving special interest from Air Macau, which has hired at least five pilots from Cape Verde in recent months, according to local media.
A number of the pilots reportedly came from BestFly Cabo Verde and are expected to arrive in the SAR this week after completing a three-month training programme in Beijing.
BestFly cabin crew went on strike for several days last November, demanding better salaries and working conditions.
[See more: Where can I fly to from Macao? Here’s a list of places you can reach directly]
Air Macau has been engaged in a hiring campaign as it expands its flight network. Jornal Tribuna de Macau reported that the airline hired 30 pilots in 2023 alone, from locations in Africa, Europe and South America.
In September, Air Macau had 85 pilots and 80 co-pilots on its books (17 percent less than its pre-pandemic staff count). The month prior, it began accepting applications for a pilot training programme for Macao residents.
Next month, Air Macau will welcome its first wide-body aircraft – enabling the airline to venture further afield than Asia and offer medium and long-haul flights for the first time.
