Based on the way Astraeus have operated in the past, surely they will go to the agencies and get typed pilots on short term contracts? Having said that, there may well be no holes to plug! WRT guys operating on vastly different pay scales..is this the right message to send to the loyal AEU crews whom have stayed through the restructure? Having said that I understand most of the FO's on the 757 and 737 fleet have significant time and presumably the bosses will want to protect thier assets.
Puritan summed it up..this won't be an upgrade passport but may be a chance to put another useful type on the ticket..Best of luck to both the red corner and the blue corner!