Command:
3000hrs factored
500 on type
2 successive OPC's above average
above average training file
at 2500hrs pre command interview with base captain
at 3000hrs command interview with base captain
3 command assessment flights
1 command simulator assessment detail with TRE.
1 command interview after assessment sim with TRE.
fail command assessment flights and you will be set back 6 months
fail the sim or the upgrade course and you will be set back 1 year
After all this current waiting time is one year for the upgrade course.
As the growth next year is not all that significant but the F/O's will be gaining more experience the command pool will be growing and growing.
BALPA is against DEC's so more and more internal upgrades as they become available.
realistically: from date of joining to command is now 2 years, if you have the hours on joining.
T&C are getting better, fewer people leaving (at least at the moment).