Captain James Chow has extensive experiences in three different regions of Asia, including Taiwan, China and South Korea. Prior to joining Asiana Airlines as an A330 captain in 2017, Captain James first set his foot in the pilot career and had built a solid foundation at China Airlines from 1991 to 2008. After China Airlines, he had also worked for Hainan Airlines in China for more than 5 years. With his aviation background in multiple regions of Asia, Captain James is going to share his reflection on his personal cross-cultural experiences; what it is like to fly for Asiana Airlines, and how he enjoys life with his family under different culture influences.
APAS: What is your reflection on your personal cross-cultural experiences among the places you have worked/ lived before?
Capt. James Chow: I have lived and worked in three different places before, including Taiwan, China and South Korea. Although they are all in Asia, culture differences still exist in the working environment, among one's ideas and behavior. To truly blend into a different culture, I have learned to respect local cultures and avoid making biased judgments.
APAS: How do you handle the frustration resulted from living/working in different cities?
Capt. James Chow: I normally go out with friends when I feel frustrated. If I can’t find accompany at that moment, I will enjoy a cup of coffee at a café or grab a beer at the bar by myself. I will then feel calm and soothed.
APAS: What motivates you to move to South Korea? Why do you choose Asiana Airlines? How do you like to work in Asiana Airlines?
Capt. James Chow: Before joining Asiana, I have worked with Hainan Airlines, China, for 5 years. I've always preferred new challenges, trying new places to discover a different “me”. South Korea is close to my hometown, Taiwan, and I have many friends working there, so it automatically becomes my top preference. Also, Asiana Airlines providing a 3-bedroom apartment in Seoul to its expat pilot employees is a big plus that attracts me.
Asiana provides very comfortable working environment for expat pilots. Company staff respect each other and adhere to the standard operating procedures very well.
APAS: What is your first impression of working in South Korea? Can you share some memorably interesting stories of working at this current job? Can you give an example?
Capt. James Chow: I am impressed with the high level of respect a captain receives from the co-pilots and the cabin crew at Asiana Airlines. I still recall the day of my first official landing at Incheon airport after the training. It was such a delightful experience. From the crew manager, co-pilots to cabin crew, everyone was cheering “Good job, Captain!' I think that day might be the day that I received the most compliments in my life. Everyone I work with in South Korea shows respect to the captains and frequently compliments me. That really impresses me.
APAS: Let’s talk about your family and roster. How do you manage your time between work and family? What is your roster like? Do you think (agree) that the commuting program will help pilots maintain their work-life balance ?
Capt. James Chow: Asiana Airlines offers 20 days off every two calendar months (8 consecutive days plus 12 non-consecutive days). Most of the A330s in Asiana Airlines fly to South East Asia, Middle East and India with overnight shift; therefore, I would usually acquire one to two days off after my overnight shift. If I fly to Japan, China, Taipei or Hongkong, where my duty can be finished within a day, I would have one day off after the short flight.
I am pretty satisfied with the roster as I am able to stay in contact with my family. My wife lives in Taipei, and my daughter lives in Beijing; both cities are close to Seoul. Hence, regardless of 8 consecutive or 2 days off in between the rosters, I will be able to meet them in person either in Taipei or Beijing. And of course, they sometimes fly to Seoul to meet up with me!
APAS: Can you describe what do you do in South Korea during your day-offs?
Capt. James Chow: I like Korean food, so I would explore different Korean restaurants
during my day-offs. I also go biking, hiking and skiing in different cities of South
Korea.
APAS: What have you learned/ earned from South Korea experience?
Capt. James Chow: I have been very interested in South Korea, especially in its history, food and tourism. I feel joining Asiana Airlines is worthwhile, as I am able to experience Korean culture locally and personally. The “Confucian tradition” is well-reserved in the Korean society. I appreciate that elderly get treated with high respect at all time. I am impressed with the friendly attitude my Korean colleagues have towards the expat colleagues. I also admire the passion and dedications that Koreans demonstrate in the work field.
APAS: Do you have any suggestions to pilots who want to work in Asia but are still having second thoughts?
Capt. James Chow: While expat-pilots might feel intimidated by the language barriers or culture differences at
the beginning, every airline now emphasizes more on “Standard Operating Procedure” by which minimizes the
ambiguity and loopholes in the rules. This is a fair practice for the foreign pilots. Meanwhile, the quality of life in
Asia nowadays is well developed. Last but not least, open your heart to welcome the brand new life.
Word from Editor:
It is a great honor to have Captain James Chow, a cross-culture lover captain, to share his expat-pilot experience. His story inspires us to be open-minded and at ease, in order to accept and adapt to a new culture. At the same time, he teaches us how to enjoy life no matter where you are! Thank you Captain James Chow!
Check out the Job positions in Asiana Airlines: (screening starts in early 2019)
A320 TR Captain http://www.apasnet.com/Jobs/detail.aspx?u=96&JobType=0
B744 TR Captain http://www.apasnet.com/Jobs/detail.aspx?u=99&JobType=0