I'm considering the MPL and thought it was worth noting:
Easyjet pretax losses (2011 Half Year Results) £153m.
2011 Half Year Results
Whilst for BA,
IAG (BA) pretax profit €39m (compared to a loss of €419m for the same period in 2010).
IAG announces half-year profits - Business Traveller
I think it's possible to read what you want into this.
I might be naive but I would think that the accountants at Monarch would be looking at ways to increase future revenue, so a cadet scheme seems like an affordable option (cheaper than experienced pilots).