Two weeks ago I flew with one of the Captains who is also one the interviewers for the S/Os (both Cadet as well as International). We had a conversation regarding the Company's requirements for future pilots as we are delivering additional aircraft.
He told me that for 2010, the Company is looking for 160-180 S/Os that most will be placed onto the B777. He explained that the ones that didn't pass their interviews were mainly because they did not do 'their homework' in learning about the Company, its history, the types of planes flown, route structure and basic aeronautical knowledge. For prospective S/Os, you don't need to be able to explain Reynolds Number but a basic knowledge of aviation should be required if One wants to become a CX airline pilot - a difference between those that want to fly because of passion, and those that decided to apply because they couldn't think of anything else to do (you'd be surprised how may are that way).
As far as DEFOs, he explained that there are no more DEFOs. The Company's plans are to hire DESOs and promote them as they accumulate seniority as well as passing the appropriate internal 'hoop jumps'. Mind you, this is NOW - and as the aviation industry is always dynamic, this is ALWAYS 'subject to operational control', meaning, it can change again next week.
Good luck to All that apply
