It has to be said that the current recruitment drive will give Jet2.com a unique insight into the present state of the market - and of the airlines and their strategy. An insight that no amount of market research could provide.
Whether the applicant is a wannabee or an experienced, current, type-rated pilot the snippets of information gleaned from the countless numbers of people applying will be invaluable.
I have always been impressed with PM as a businessman - the success of his businesses year on year. The transition from Channel Express to Jet2. The fact that he commenced operations from Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport without anyone knowing his strategy until it was officially released must have been one of the best kept secrets in recent years?!
It will interesting to see who is employed - whether Jet2 take on current, type-rated pilots from other airlines (cheaper) or whether they will try and engender some loyalty by taking on pilots who are not just looking for a port in the current storm (possibly more expensive) or whether they will try and 'grow their own' by providing type rating training (expensive, unless funded by the applicant).
Probably a combination of all of these, but it will be interesting to see whether PM is looking of a 'quick fix' or long-term commitment.
Seems no news yet - or at least no one is saying?!
KR
FOK