All comparisonsAirline Comparison

Singapore Airlines vs Cathay Pacific

Cabin crew requirements, salary, and hiring process — Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific compared side by side, so you know exactly which one fits before you apply.

FieldSingapore AirlinesCathay Pacific
Base / hubSingaporeHong Kong
Minimum age18+ at the time of application18+ at the time of application
EducationMinimum 5 GCE 'O' Level credits (including English) or Higher Nitec and aboveHigh school diploma or equivalent
English requirementFluent English with good communication skillsFluent English required; at least one Asian language is also required
Swim requirementMust be able to swim 50 metres
MedicalFit-for-flying medical clearanceFit-for-flying medical clearance, including sight and hearing tests
Height / reach notesMinimum height 158 cm (female) / 165 cm (male); arm reach 212 cm on tiptoes.No published height minimum — a 208 cm arm-reach test on tiptoes (barefoot) is the operative test.
Basic salarySGD 1,500–1,800 basicHK$9,000–10,000 basic
Flying paySector pay and night-stop allowances on top of basicReported HK$65–75 per block hour
Per diemIncluded in flying-pay range aboveIncluded in total range below for international layovers
Total take-homeReported total take-home roughly SGD 3,200–3,700/month for new joinersReported total roughly HK$17,000–24,000/month for junior crew
TaxSingapore income tax applies — figures above are gross.Hong Kong income tax applies — figures above are gross.
Hiring cadenceRecruitment runs via periodic walk-in interview events in Singapore, plus the SIA careers portal for overseas applicantsRecruitment runs via the Cathay Pacific careers portal, including overseas intakes
Hiring statusOne of the most sought-after Asia-Pacific carriers — competitive intake, and the walk-in day itself is reported to have several elimination rounds rather than one.Hires both Hong Kong-based and overseas-applicant cabin crew separately, with a distinct multi-stage online screening before any in-person assessment day.

Figures reviewed August 2026 · confirm exact numbers on each airline’s careers page before applying.

Prep for either interview — start free