What is giving them a surpluss? Less flying due to a/c being transferred later this year to the organisation who will fly them cheaper than we can. There will be a lot of people sitting around doing absolutely nothing as soon as Jetstar gets the 330. The amount of pilots expected to retire also has diminished due to the over 60 probability.
When recruiting does start, I have heard there are quite a few cadets now awaiting employment who will fill the first few courses. These are mainly the ones who have been out and have some experience.
However, when things do change things happen in a rush. It has always been feast or famine in this industry.