STANLEY YAU

Director, Human Resources and Administration

Hong Kong Airlines

What does your business do?

Hong Kong Airlines is a full-service airline with its roots in Hong Kong. Established in 2006, it has grown rapidly to become an internationally acclaimed carrier which has been awarded the highly esteemed four-star rating from Skytrax.

We are a young, energetic and customer-centric company. With a history of just 10 years, we own one of the youngest fleets in the world with an average 4.1 years of service.  

What activities do you have planned for your shadows?

On the first day, shadows will get a basic understanding of our company’s background and organisational structure. On the second, they will get a glimpse of the daily tasks of a senior manager by attending monthly meetings, together with our management trainees. On the last day, they will be invited to share their experiences and will be presented with a certificate to express our gratitude for their support and active participation.

What do you hope your shadows will get out of the experience?

By shadowing a senior executive, we hope our shadows pick up essential management tips and learn to think from a comprehensive and strategic perspective, which will be beneficial in steering them onto their future career path. Ultimately, we hope that these young people can be groomed as future leaders, demonstrating their own strategic agility and management style.

What leadership skills or lessons are you hoping to impart?

Through this programme, I hope shadows are able to learn more about the dynamics and operations of the airline business. More importantly, I hope to impart some essential skills and lessons, including critical-thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and the drive to succeed and be innovative – such that they will be prepared to become future business leaders.

What skills and experience are you looking for from applicants?

Since the aviation industry is ever-changing, we are looking for applicants who are curious, keen to learn and willing to take initiative so that they are ready for the challenges ahead. Moreover, we expect our applicants to display leadership traits including the drive to succeed, critical-thinking skills and business acumen and agility. They should also be innovative so that they can bring us fresh perspectives and insight.

What is the job market like for graduates in the industry?

The aviation industry is so dynamic and sophisticated that it looks for talent from a wide range of professions. At Hong Kong Airlines, apart from our Management Trainee Programme which aims to nurture future leaders of the industry, our company also offers an Engineering Licence Trainee Programme to groom all-rounders and recognised professional airline engineers. 

As an international aviation hub, Hong Kong attracts many aviation elites and the job market is promising as the industry continues to grow. Hong Kong Airlines is committed to contributing to the local aviation industry by nurturing local young talent.

The company’s new Aviation Training Centre, slated for completion in 2018, will be another step in enhancing the training standards of Hong Kong’s aviation industry while spurring its growth.