OREANDA-NEWS. October 21, 2011. China Airlines’ latest cabin crew recruitment drive attracted more than 4,000 applicants in a 15-day online registration period. With just over 100 open positions for Taiwanese flight attendants this year, only 2% of the applicants will be invited to join China Airlines’ cabin crew upon passing a vigorous selection process, reported the press-centre of Cathay Pacific.

As one of Taiwan’s most admired companies, China Airlines continues to draw top talent. While all applicants are required to be university graduates with TOEIC scores of 550 or higher, the number of advanced degree holders tripled to 8% this year from 2010.

China Airlines conducted first-round interviews with qualified candidates at CAL Park in Taoyuan. Candidates are evaluated on their qualifications and professional competence in services, with particular emphasis in the first round given to a candidate’s affability, ability to cope with various situations, attitude and communication skills.

The short list of candidates will be announced on China Airline’s website from noon on October 25 to noon on October 27. Short-listed candidates will participate in a second round of interviews on October 29-30, comprised of Chinese and English oral exams and assessment of professional competence in services.

The final list of accepted candidates will be posted on the China Airlines website in the first half of November. China Airlines will arrange physical exams for the candidates, and those who pass will come on board in the second half of November to complete nine weeks of basic training, including ground training.

Following completion of basic training, candidates still have to undergo a three-month in-flight training and probationary period before they officially become China Airlines flight attendants.

In addition to cabin crew, China Airlines is also recruiting other air and ground crew, including pilots, aircraft repair and maintenance technicians, legal and accounting personnel, systems development engineers, information engineers and operations staff. The pilot recruitment program seeks pilot trainees, experienced pilots with commercial pilot licenses, retired Air Force pilots and civil airline pilots. Recruitment of aircraft repair and maintenance technicians are geared toward maintenance of aircraft fuselage, aircraft electrical systems and aircraft engines. Following online registration for these positions, first-round interviews have been completed and successful candidates will come on board by the end of the year.