Re read that post brocode. It said 25-30 for flyer and lingus, as a total one off. No mention of every year. Sounds plausible.
Flyer crews do tours, that's extra bodies to be placed on every airframe. Probably 6-7 per frame. Factor in the numbers who jumped to the ME just before, or after their command courses and it's no wonder they need bodies. Perhaps new airframes to arrive?
Lingus drag their heels through heaps of HR red-tape before conducting any recruitment/courses. I would not be surprised in the slightest if they needed some extra bodies.