"We also had 2,000 applications for A320 positions."
2000 applicants? Of which 1000 don't meet the minimums (unless you set it at bare CPL), 500 that you have had since day 1 and haven't bothered to call (for whatever reason), the other 500 who are probably competitive, but who also have applications on with Virgin, QF, Cathay, Dragonair...
As far as expats wanting to come home, I am sure they will get a few, you always willl regardless of how low the pay is set, but enough to crew the whole fleet of 787's, I doubt it!
