WWW you're right, of course; topics about the wider implications of BA recruiting are both relevant and interesting, but the discussion was getting on to things of specific interest only to those who might apply to any DEP scheme - and it's that bit I want to put a halt to, or at least subdue. Oh sod it, let's go for it.....
So, on that note -
Justbelowcap, I'd assumed that these A321s are 757 replacements. Is that in fact the case, or are they additional to the fleet? If they are additional, obviously that will have a significant effect on BA's recruiting requirements (by the way, what is BA's shorthaul crew/aircraft ratio?). If they are replacements for 757s (and 767s?), there will be no net requirement for crews.
As for retirements, 100-150 per year is what I'd heard from other sources, and is consistent with the size and age of BA's pilot workforce. There may be a change in or around 2006 with forthcoming employment legislation intended to allow later retirement, but the effect of that legislation on existing contracts, particularly pensionable ones, isn't yet clear (to me, at least!).
As for the sources of BA's DEPs, I imagine that a significant proportion will be ex-military, as is traditional - though the numbers perforce will be less than in the past. There is little to tempt Virgin pilots to BA. Emirates might produce a few disaffected by the current direct-entry command scheme, and BMI will probably provide quite a few who are terminally disaffected with that airline's recent management style. The British charter scene may yield some, but most of their pilots seem pretty happy with their lot, and would not relish shorthaul scheduled flying with any airline. EZ and Ryan are obvious targets - particularly the ex-mil guys with a few years and a few thousand hours of civvy flying under their belts but, as
WWW says, BA's T's & C's are no longer as unassailable as they once were - and Virgin offers a longer career, guaranteed longhaul, and nearly as much salary (though the pension and allowances are nowhere near as good).
So, I reckon BA will have no trouble finding 100+ a year, but 3-400 DEPs (should that number ever be required)? Not from UK......
Scroggs