I have got $10,000 in any currency you like that I will gladly deposit into a lawyers trust account when matched by someone else who thinks that Air NZ will take direct entry captains. Air NZ has just introduced a fleet of A320's that took considerable flexibility by everyone to achieve. There was never any suggestion then of direct entry captains.
Bear in mind that the 777-200ER is going to replace the 767. There will be a small initial bulge but the 767s will depart as the 777s arrive. There will be no need nor suggestion of direct entry captains for the 777.
