it seems to have reduced retirements by about 30/year so far.
These numbers were published before the expansion a/c were ordered, 4 x 777's in 2009 (though one already lost due to Hatton Cross!). Don't treat these figures as Gospel.
2006 112
2007 133 (100)
2008 109 (80)
2009 71
That implies 100 retired last year, that wasn't the case it was around 35 ish. Retirements aren't reduced by 30/year they're actually ONLY 30/year at the moment. The pace is expected to increase slowly as some only hoped for 3 years extra (to age 58), others only 5 years (to 60), and around (I think 220) have been told they can go part time which will be the same as about 75 retiring in terms of command seniority (if they're all captains that is so less if a mixed group).