Mr Fokkerfellow,
Thanks for clearly stating out the recruitment process for us all. I hope Arik has the dozens of unemployed young Nigerian pilots (quite a few have recently completed training in South Africa) in mind, there are rumors flying around about dozens of 'oyibos' coming in to make up a large part of ARIk crew. another rumor is that ARIk claim they cannot find young nigerian pilots pilots in Nigeria, i can give you a couple dozen if you're interested. Half of the last set of Zaria graduates (2004) are still unemployed.
Finally, i don't understand the cadet programme that requires a minimum of 300hrs. Could you explain it further, probably on you're website. What we hear is that cadets will go and work for 'other airlines' for a while to gain experience. Why will an airline employ a pilot to fly for another airline? doesn't make sense.
Capt. Manuvar