Any competent pilot with 1000 hours Metro and 500 jet should be able to make command on ANY contemporary civil jet. Contrary to what some would believe, all modern jets are pisseasy to fly.
Any existing jet captain with 500 hours PIC on that pisseasy jet should be capable of doing line training on same.
So what excuse is being put forward to hire 'old mates' ? It can't be an argument based on economics, as all new pilots no matter how experienced cost money to complete various courses, sim checks and line training etc required by CASA, DOTARS and all the other regulatory stuff. At least 6 weeks non-productive (as in non-revenue) time.
Unless the base material is really really lacking in experience, or is particularly unskilled, or downright thick, command upgrades are no more costly than inductions. Ditto check/training pilot approvals - those with in-house experience shouldn't need any more time or expenditure than a newcomer to jump through the various CASA hoops.
Unless there are other 'old mates' in CASA who can be relied upon to grease the wheels? That crap did happen in the past.