Sure, you can't replace a competent pilot by "any old bod with 5 days training."
That's what the Continental pilots thought about Frank Lorenzo's antics. Didn't work out too well.
On the other hand,an aspect for management to consider is the forecast shortage of pilots worldwide as the Asian airlines continue booming, and many older pilots across the globe reach retirement age.
Does Branson want to slough off his best people for unknown quantities?
