Our rosters are bad but not as bad as you imply. More like 5 on 2 off with lots of minimum rest between each duty day and max days of 10-12 hours. Some folks are getting 5 or 6 days on and 1 off although not me personally. Our rosters would appear to be manually prepared irrespective of the fact that we have a computerised bidding and rostering system.
My understanding was that the new aircraft were replacing older ones. Also there are no new routes announced this winter. I have heard that the 321's are up for sale as well. Additionally over the winter there will be a reduction in the fleet with aircraft taken out on a rolling basis for long term maintenance.
Having said all of the above I think we are understaffed. As is usual at AL they have cocked up the numbers though. Although are unable to recruit until the voluntary scheme is put to bed.