I applied in August 05 - I've not heard anything since.
Everyone I know who has got an interview and subsequent recommendation to start the type rating knows someone on the inside. It's the same with every other airline, with the possible exception of BA Connect, but even there a recommendation will take you direct to an interview.
It looks like the people I know who are about to start a TR will have to make it onto the line, and then they can recommend me.