Even the much belated recruitment drive will not cover both the pilots needed and cover those leaving... much too little much too late.
The perfect storm has arrived: A pilot workforce reluctant to help, (can't help as already at maximum) - no flex in the system with pilot numbers cut too low - training lag will add months to get anyone that does join on the line (with not enough trainers to train them anyway) - pilots leaving at an increasing rate.
Perhaps DECs/Contract pilots may be considered but Q: Where do you get experienced Bus and 777 pilots? Ans: Emirates... and they are not the only ones looking and supply is drying up.
FUEK. You have had it coming for a long, long time. Short term gain and now here is the long term resultant pain. It will cost you more now than it would have... you were warned.