Mercuray
Not 100% well informed because I resigned a while ago but I believe they still recruit the person/background and not the rating.
There's been some crap on this thread and there's been some painful truths. I was in the comapny and I'm not bitter and twisted but here are some home truths:
Then - Contract originated from Caymen Islands based on Isle of Man contract law (ie little, or no, worker protection)
Now - Solid UK contract
Then - No BALPA/Union support
Now - BALPA roster agreement and support
Then - 14 days off per year (for first 2 years)
Now - 35 days off PLUS 8 days bank holiday plus day off either side of leave taken.
Then - Scheduling messing around with FTL's
Now - No messing around as BALPA would be in like a rat up a drainpipe
Then - Flying brand new well equipped aircraft BUT Fleet Manager had to be consulted before defects put in the tech log.
Now - Flying brand new aircraft and the Captain decides what to put in the tech log and when.
Then - Flying to loads of different airfields IFR/VFR but with v.little or no time off
Now - Fly to only 13 destinations on three continents but get up to 3 days off
Then - Tick in the box training/recurrent
Now - Professionally conducted trainig - full stop
Then - worked with capable but stressed out pilots
Now - work with capable and relaxed pilots
Any regrets? You must be joking!