Airlines such as FR react to market forces. They're a business. FR are very very good at what they do.
Timing/luck can make a big difference. I joined FR 2yrs ago as a DEC and had never sat in a 73 before. FR paid for the lot, bonded me for 5 yrs and I'm not on a reduced salary. I'm also employed by FR and not Broookfield.
Pure luck/timing. Demand was exceeding supply.