MOR
Consider this:
In the past the Air NZ operation was combined. The progression was:
F27 Co-Pilot
B737 Co-Pilot
F27 Pilot
B767 Co-Pilot
B737 Pilot
etc etc.
Each pilot had every rating under the sun. Pilots were going from course to course. Each time a new pilot started the rest jumped up the ladder and generally across the fleet. It was reported that each new pilot cost one million to employ due to the cost of training all the others.
This was one of the main reasons for the Link operators. The same is happening now with Air NZ. It has 700 odd pilots with around 500 changing type. It must be costing a fortune. To take on experienced direct entry people makes commercial sense. The fact that we have Maori TV identifies that commercial sense is not a priority for Government funded / owned ventures.
Consider the plight of the Link turbo-prop guy. If he goes to Air NZ to fly jets his previous service means nothing. He is no different to an Origin, Air National, Air Freight, Airwork pilot etc in terms of seniority.
If Air NZ wants to be low cost it should start with training costs. Split the fleet using different companies to operate them. Stop all the pilots constantly fleet jumping and allow each operator to employ the correct people for the job.
For you it is possible to get employment at Air NZ while the Saab pilot with 10 years service stays were he is. So it is not all that bad. You only have to sit in the right hand seat for 10 to 15 years (all care and no responsibility).