One of the reasons the Majors didn't hire as much lately is because the RJ pilots with their propensity to fly for free took many jobs from the Majors. Most if not all of the US airline growth was at the Regionals.
They had a very low hourly rate, no pension, no work rules and no contract to speak of. In fact many of them could qualify for free food stamps.
In addition when some Regional airlines transtioned to jets the failure rate was unprecedented. One airline had a 85% failure rate on its captains!
Yes there are many reasons why the RJ pilots were not at the Majors but one reason is surely the skill set. Why are they having so many problems on the heavy metal? Why did EK say no more RJ pilots? Maybe the failure rate wouldn't have been so high if they started on a 737 or 320 but with the heavies it is a completely new ballgame.
*