FlapsOne/Vsf, I don't think that's the case, either. After all, if the airlines go bust because there are no pilots coz there are no aircraft flying coz there are no pax, then that does tend to put "the cubicle-borne creampuffs" on the line as well!
The reality is as follows:
1) There will continue to be an airline industry.
2) That airline industry will be a lot slimmer and more cautious than the previous one.
3) Pay and benefits will take a serious pruning all round and are very unlikely to be restored to the levels seen at some airlines. 'Reasonable' rather than 'excessive' pay for all levels will be the
bon mot.
4) Airlines - and pilots - will be taking a long and hard look at the seniority system, which is seriously outdated and more importantly is a barrier to movement by pilots as much as anything else.
5) There was never - and is even less so now - a 'pilot shortage'. A shortage of people qualified on specific types, yes - but overall shortage - no way! This glut of pilots will remain for a considerable time.
6) Startups will be getting ultra cheap crews and aircraft!