SIMBA KALI - I can confirm that i did not receive that article from you!
Yes, KQ are exploring the possibilty of using contract pilots but KALPA needs to buy in for this to happen.
It does not matter what jet rating you hold especially if you don't have time on type. If you have time on type then you will still have to pass through the KQ hoops. At the moment from the 20 low time qualified applicants (those who met the minimum requirements as per the ad) only 6 have been invited to join as SO's. From the high time applicants lots with jet time, the number was whittled to 14 and I am reliably informed that only a similar number made it, they will join as FO's.
Yes the seniority system at KQ is very strict, for instance an Ex Airforce Presidential Jet commander on the Fokker 70 recently joined the airline as an FO.
regards,