Shall I also mention, that many major world carriers, such as ANA, JAL, SIA, KAL, MAS, Asiana, Cathay, Emirates, all rely on a large proportion of direct entry captains.
THERE I think you might have stepped on a VERY hot potato!
When you employ DECs instead of upgrading FO:s with at least as much, or more experience/qualification as DECs, to save money you are on the wrong path.
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