Regarding my upgrade comment, I have found information in that most reliable source of information: Wikipedia. If you choose to believe what is written there (allegedly backed by factual references), CX had 4,000 pilots (fairly accurate) in 2020. That was 2,000 by the end of Covid (very likely true). About 2 years ago, they were cancelling flights due to a shortage of pilots (this, I know, is fact). Wikipedia states that CX claims to have 3,500 pilots now - but you would have to believe that they have hired and trained pilots at the rate of about 600 per year! That's 50 per month! If this is possible, oops I meant true, then the ex-colleague that I refer to would have timed his employment there very fortunately. He might be 2,100 of 3,500 now. No wonder he moved quickly. But, as 711 says, it's anyone's guess for a pilot joining now, and unlikely to be 5 years.