Ricochet22
The FPP is not grossly oversubscribed in any way. There were thousands of applicants (approx 3,000) in the first round which opened for applications in 2011.
From these 3,000 about 90 were selected.
BA is looking to source, as no sponsor has noted, 400 pilots via the FPP scheme, which makes up 50% of the 800 pilot shortfall BA sees itself as having.
BA is recruiting these 800 pilots to cover retirements and new fleets coming online, the 400 FPP pilots are cost effective for the reasons no sponsor gave.
If you research and find some of the press releases from when the FPP was announced last year you'll find the exact answers you're looking for - the time frames for the BA FPP.