Are there examples where Virgin pilots have left recently to fly shorthaul (Easy, Ryanair, etc.)? What is the likelihood that a newhire will get the A340 vs. the 400? If you have A320 experience or type, would that logically lead to placement on the A340 or is it completely based upon need at the time (A320-experienced pilots still going straight to the 400)?
Other than after the redundancy post 9/11, I don't believe thare are many - if any - examples of people leaving to go short-haul or loco. After all, it would be a big backward step both financially and in terms of future prospects.
Virgin is recruiting primarliy for the A340, but, as Herp suggests, slots do occasionally open on the B744 fleet. Many (not all) of our new joiners have Airbus experience and it is possible, though unlikely, that an Airbus-qualified guy
could go to the 744. I'm not aware of anyone having done so recently, but I'm sure someone can prove me wrong!