Regarding MPL, Sterling is not committed to employ any MPL students after completed line training. It is the FTO who is responsible for the whole program, type rating and line training included. The FTO hires Sterling to provide the type rating and line training on their behalf.
But there is of course a profit to be made if Sterling need pilots and MPL students are available. Its pure economics (as always...). How long do you think it will take before Norwegian introduces a similar program? (My bet is within 6 months)
Anyways, about 20 MPL students will be finished within a year. How many Sterling will employ is an unknown.
mvh snuble