well, the 44 k€ is for the main line. If you don't have the rating, you join most probably on the regional line, on Avro 100, soon E-190. The pay there is even lower, but you get a compensation ("Marktzulage"), so you can survive. After 3 years you are allowed to apply for the Airbus job.
GSVal, the expansion is taking place this very moment. Still there are my friends on the A340 with 16 years as FO. Bear in mind that the upgrading is a very enduring process, and not everyone is making it, especially people outside the inner circle, comparable to Cathay and the like.
Dani