I don't think it's such a problem with the number of applicants, but more a case of how many EK are finding suitable.
If 1 out of every 3 who interview are getting hired, than EK will need to interview roughly 2000 qualified candidates in the next 18 months to fulfill their target of 700 new hires.
With the continued arrival of new aircraft the recruitment drive is going to last a lot longer than the next 18 months. How far will they have to move the goal posts in order to avoid parking the jets??
Cav.