No sponser
I would question whether Ab-initios, particularly young ones are cost effective. A 20 year old could work for BA for 45 years spending 11 years on the top pay increment. By recruiting a 40 year old after a period in the military or another airline they will only reach pay point 25 out of 34.
Therefore recruiting 2 DEPs over the period that you could recruit 1 ab-initio is far cheaper in terms of salary and the extra recruiting cost is peanuts. The reduced salary for an Ab-initio at the start is far outweighed by the extra time at the top.
While many DEPs may have a medium term goal of going LH (just like ab-initios I am sure) most are over the moon at just having the opportunity to work for BA due to all the other benefits. At the moment all DEPs are being put on the type for which they have type ratings (if applicable). So if you have a 737 or 320 rating that is probably where you will go and you join knowing this.
Regards