Just been told that command time on the 777 fleet may come down to as little as 5 years with the expansion.
I had to laugh. This year is the last one with big retirements. After that, retirements slow to an average of about 70 per year (there is a dip to 48 in 2006, without the change in legislation being taken into account). I'm expecting a 777 command in about seven years if I'm lucky, I've been in for seven and a half so far. Repeat after me, for someone joining now you can expect a 737 LGW command in 12-13 years, a LHR shorthaul command in 15-17 years and a Longhaul command in 19+ years.
Someone asked for advice earlier on in the thread. I'll say that again as well:
Take the management briefings with a pinch of salt!!