When airlines recruit Commanders, they are recruiting a known commodity, ie: experienced Commanders, from other airlines where they have proven their worth as...line Captains.
A consistant track record, if you like.
This goes especially for check/training Captains.
With First Officers, they can be more selective, because many times they have no command experience...and if they did before, with another company, they have applied for a First Officer position.
Has always been thus, and it ain't likely to change anytime soon.
Having said all this, companies should, to the best of their ability, promote from within, whenever possible.
In a rapidly growing airline, this may be a real challange.
Last edited by 411A; 30th September 2003 at 08:35.