"the cost to Ansett per pilot was much, much less than pre 89."
Completely untrue, Mr XX.
Pilots post `89 were paid FAR more than those pre`89. That is an acknowledged FACT by all parties, including the ACTU.
Pre `89, overtime rates did not cut in until after 65 hours. Post `89 they cut in after 55 hours.
Going by the numbers of pilots Ansett employed immediately prior tp their demise, it would appear that the number of crews per aircraft was almost the same as up to 1989.
It also needs to be remembered that for the 5 or 6 years leading up to 1989, Ansett was in a transitionary period of introducing new types - the B737-300 (to replace the 737 -200 "advanced"), the B767, and the A320 - meaning surplus pilots were needed.