Folks,
A key labour unit cost reduction metric was to effectively outsource that component related to 'flight training'. It is a cornerstone of the Low Fare Airline employment model. Whether a fully self funded candidate or one whom you indenture with a 'cadet ship' the accounting was neat: Very little actual investment by the company.
The necessary component to ensure such through put was unlimited supply of applicants. Faced with a structural shortage, labour unit cost is beginning the slow march to mean reversion. Airlines need pilots, pilots generate operating revenue. Unfortunately airlines will try everything in order to protect their supply, until eventually increasing the requisite terms and conditions necessary to ensure supply.