no days off (thats right! 7 days a week)
Technically true but in reality they get one day off a week.
11g you sound like a bitter person. The scheme is modelled on the Atlantique one which has run very well for many many years, when other airlines were sponsoring too. I agree that at first glance it doesn't make much sense. But the amount of ex fuglies still at atlantic show that it does create people in the company mould. All of whom are very knowledgable in all aspects of the operation and are very aware of the bigger picture, and all of whom have progressed to the left seat at a young age but with a great deal of maturity. The company gets someone for 5 years rather than someone who is looking for a jet job the minute they join. And if they do leave early the company has them bonded to a high level so it doesn't lose out.
By the time a 200hr guy serves his/her 3 year bond they are ready for command just when they are looking to leave. FO's are ten a penny. It is skippers that all TP outfits are struggling to retain.
somebody in HR who probably doesn't know their airside pass from their air speed indicator
Actually by the MD who has more hours already in more types than most of us will ever achieve.