Mach75
In answer to your first question “yes”. Just like existing FO’s that upgrade on the pax fleet, you must return to HK for your upgrade. If you want to return onto the base after your time in HK you can reapply for a base as a captain but it will be awarded in seniority order. So there is a very good chance you may have to wait a while.
In response to your second question, I don’t think the number of slots that will be eventually put aside for North American DEFO bases will be as many as you think. The current number the company is talking about for Sydney and Melbourne is 45. Sydney is currently a triple daily service and Melbourne is almost double daily. The number of slots that will be available will be subject to the frequency of the service and the number of slots left over after existing FO’s have bid for the bases.
And finally regarding your last question, yes it will effect current FO’s that want to take a North American and Australian base. The company has just admitted that they must offer all the bases to existing FO’s before the first DEFO can be employed by the company on the pax fleet. It’s in our conditions of service.