Hey, guys, here are some numbers from the 'inside':
Pilots force as of end of 2011 - 1500 (approx).
Same as of now - 2200.
So they've made their numbers for this year. My guess is, though, this includers the people who got their offers of emploinment/fleet allocation and waiting for joining date. Ergo End-of-August update.
More numbers: people, swimming in the pool - 400.
Simple math dictates whoever is in the pool right now should join (meaning arrive in Doha) by the end of March, early April next year at the latest. That's taking into consideration also people leaving the Company meanwhile.
Bottom line - things are not so hopless as they may seem at the moment.
Good luck to all!
Cheers!
H.L.