AQIS Boigu:
The DESO program is being replaced by the new Cadet Program. The Cadet Program has a full course for applicants with no or little flight experience and a pre-qualified course for pilots with CPL or ATPL and this is a 2/3 shortened course. Advantage for CX is the cost savings of hiring cadets on local terms and Cadets have to serve min 36 months as SO, before JFO upgrade.
Apparently no shortage of applicants for the new program.
The DEFO program is shelved at the moment and might be opened again if CX is in need of qualified FO's in times of rapid growth. Might take a while as CX is around 250 pilots heavy at the moment, retirement Age 65 started this year (less retirements in the coming years), a huge pool of qualified SO's waiting for their JFO upgrade and CX is actively recruiting cadets for both programs.