Cantilever
You are spot on.
A320PLT
From your comment I can see that you have no idea about Middle East. You can get whatever you want in writing but that doesn’t mean much.
Let’s read again the new “written” policy below:
"As part of a longer term strategy the A320 fleet has been selected as general base model for direct internal command courses. This rule applies for command courses starting in May 2008".
"Herewith Etihad follows general best practice of the major carriers of the world and will be able to cover the steady demand on the rapidly growing A320 fleet. In any case internal upgrades should have priority over the hiring of direct entry captains whenever possible."VPFO( Acting ) ...
Now let’s start counting how many DECs will join the A330/340 fleet after this new policy was introduced.
Our managers don’t even follow their own “written plans”. Few months ago when the A320 was introduced they came up with a policy of no upgrades due to “safety” concerns. Then of course most A320 FOs were asking the obvious: How are we going to be upgraded if there are no upgrades on the A320? Our managers’ answer: All upgrades will be on the base model, the A330. This is what they were giving in writing up to one day before they sent us this crap.
Also few months ago they sent us their “written” plan which was about the number of upgrades per month including B777 FOs. All upgrades were for the A330to cover a 6 month period Jan-June. Well here you go. Now we have a new “written” plan-policy right in the middle of the previous one.
SandDragon
All B777 FOs who are due for upgrade will fly the A330 from the right seat for 6 months in order to gain the necessary Airbus experience. After the 6 months it will be left seat A320 for them.