Just been chatting to a EOG Skipper for the latest gen:
In addition to the 4 * 737's, 6 * 767s and the Classic 747 fleet there will also be the grounding of 10 more widebodies, expected to be 744's.
He estimated that cadets waiting post graduation would be looking at 2 years minimum. Of the 400 odd pilots spare at least 200 were retiring anyway in the next 12 months. A further 200 could well be persuaded to retire early under the rules allowing BA pensions to by 'crystalised' (too complex to explain here) at age 50.
This could see the 400 out requirement to be met within the next 6 months.
Cheers,
WWW