Back in 2000 when Virgin Blue commenced operations, how much were QF/AN pilots getting paid?
Has the rate of pay gone backwards for QF pilots? (I know it did for AN pilots, but that is another topic) I doubt it.
A startup airline comes along and offers salaries & conditions below those established airlines, the prospective employees either accept or reject whats on offer.
Many pilots who started at Virgin Blue / Impulse in the early days, now have very rewarding flying careers around the world with some of the world's blue chip airlines.
Most of the CFO's at V Australia are just starting out on thier airline careers, and most of the Captains at V Australia have come back to unwind, having spent enough time and collected enough money overseas to allow them the Australian lifestyle. These Captains share their knowlege with thier junior members on the flightdeck which will be invaluble to them in the future.
Cheers