I did not see all the seminars, but... probably enough to at least report what was said.
BA said they was going to recruit 80 pilots in 2011. Mostly DEP, with minimum 500 hours on type, when they open for applicants they had nearly 1000 applicants, and they closed it after approx. 1 - 2 weeks.
With this information, somebody still managed to ask if BA would be sponsoring pilots soon, the lecturer then repeated the above, 1000 apps. for 80 jobs, all with TR and min. 500 hours on type, so not really a major shortage.
Still there was a certain positive spin, but I would not go out mortgaging my house, or someone else house based on what was told at the expo.
I don't think there will be an immediate demand for low hour novice pilots, only time will tell. An expo for FTO's will always be biased, their agenda is to make money, they need new customers to cover their expenses and investment cost/salaries etc., so could not really expect anything else.
Trend, probably not be worse then it has been, but probably not get to much better then next 6 - 12 months either!
