No doubt the 34K+6 is the usual maskirovka, so that when the actual number turns out to be 38K+7 there's a huge feeling of relief and the fact that there has been a substantial cut is overlooked.
Still, airlines are beginning to recruit again. For example EasyJet have realised to their cost that they can't afford to dick around waiting for decisions over mil pilots - the guys are being eagerly snapped by others whilst the orange folk are still deliberating!