The 'pool' refered to by Yasserfat is the group of pilots who had signed contracts prior to 9/11, but had not been assigned to a course. These pilots have been on full basic pay, and are now being offered courses, mainly on the B737 and A319/320 at LHR. Unlike some other airlines, BA allowed the TEP's to continue their training, and these pilots will have to be found places.. .There will be considerable movement in the next few years. Rather than ground some of the 744s as originally planned we will now be operating 56 in 2002 and all 57 in 2003. There are 200+ retirements for the next few years, mainly from the longhaul fleets.. .Loads are picking up in a big way, and the yields are also recovering. Most JFK flights are full in F and J. I don't think that it will be long before BA needs to start recruiting again. I think that aviation has turned the corner, which is good news for everyone, especially the wannabes.
Airclues