I've been waiting for my preferential base in RYR for 3 years !
Recently promoted to CPT, and sent away again.
No promises made.
Promises made don't hold up either, I've noticed.
It helps being based in STN and walking in to this Manager's office every once in a while, so he knows your face.
New guys get sent where nobody wants to go.
However, I've been told there's positions for CPT's available in EVERY base.
But they're keeping spots for direct entry guys who will ONLY sign for this or that base.
There is a list, but I get the impression it gets thrown around a lot.
NO seniority exists.
But You will be told that "more senior people" are ahead of you on the list...
They also make an effort not to put too many "locals" in any one base.
And this not to affect the international character of the airline.
e.g. : Not too many Italians in Rome base, not too many Germans in HHN-base, not too many Belgians in CRL base, etc...
I'm starting my 4th year in RYR still waiting for my base.
Good luck to yourself !!