Well, I'd offer that it would be a minimum requirement actually
Look at the rest of the world's 777 requirements.......EK requires 3000 hours large Jet as a minimum for FOs, Plus 3000 PIC Large Jet for DECs , same with KAL contracts ( in Command widebody ) Vietnam requires 1000 hours on type (777) ....the list goes on if you have a look around what's on offer at the moment
Yes there is a pilot shortage, but you have to realise that this means 'shortage of suitably qualified' crew.
FAR had a few good points....
''If you are a B737 Captain for
VB or whoever else and that's all you have ever done you aren’t qualified''
True for the most part in the contract world if you are chasing a 777 appointment
ibid
So, in closing, if the requirements in the above post are factual, then I'd say y'all will be getting off lightly as a very base minimum.
The 777 isnt just a big dash 8, nor is it very similar to a 737, and VA are not just in the market to 'hop' around Australian capital cities.