Experience
I joined Cx around 6 years ago with about 2000 hours TT mostly GA but a couple of hundred hours in turboprops. The average SO applicant today does on average have 3500 hours as someone else correctly pointed out BUT I have friends in SA who are still getting the call with the same experience levels that I had when I joined.
As for CX vs SAA.... A number of my friends who joined SAA in the past six years are now sitting on the CX seniority list doing their 3 or 4 years as SO's. One bloke is even sitting at CX Freighters! That must say something!
Hopefully many of the guys/girls who have just interviewed will be joining us in the Fragrant Harbour.
Good luck.
W2