just curious since it would drastically benefit EK financialy.
Says who?
Don't forget that the basic costs of type rating someone..then providing accommodation are the same, as are bringing families across etc..so no saving there.
Next, how many EK sectors actually require a cruise S/O, certainly a few on the 777 and a couple on the 380, but that's about it. I think EK understand that they can attract a reasonable standard of candidate without having to resort to 250hr heros, in any case we have a bit of that already with the local cadet pilots.
Lastly, my impression is, thanks to the location of the crew rest on our fleet, the local GCAA require two current and qualified pilots upfront at all times....a requirement that an S/O is unable to fill in their eyes.