With the rate at which we are hiring, I can't see it continuing for much longer - maybe a couple more years. The fleet plan from now until 2010 sees the introduction of 5 extra airplanes : 3 737-800s this year and 2 777-200s next year. The 787s are replacing the 767s in 2010 and whatever RJs they get will replace the Saab so the net gain there is going to be 0. The other thing is that the average age for captains is going down as younger and younger guys are coming down for the left seat and the retirement age was recently increased to 63.
SO, anyone looking to join needs to get down here, convert and apply ASAP!!