SAS do not expect many (probably none) of the previously laid off pilots to apply. The ones that wanted to return (some hundred) have already been re-hired, and the very few remaining have been captains with other airlines for the last 10-12 years, and are probably not very interested in starting at the bottom again. But due to legislations and agreements, SAS has to ask the laid off ones one last time before they can start new-hires. This is the last round where laid off pilots will get an offer.
Regarding Etihad; this is partially true: There are no limit in the number of pilots Etihad need, but appr 250-300 pilots from SAS have shown interest in the Etihad deal. SAS says it can accept max 50 pilots to leave for Etihad during 2013. Etihad would like to have everyone.
In addition there are appr 60 pilots who managed to apply for early retirement before this option closed down as a part of the 19th nov "crisis agreement". So a total of 110 pilots will leave SAS during 2013, in addition to our normal retirements.
The new agreements will reduce this number a bit though, but 40 new hires during 2013 is a very conservative number - it will probably double. I have no dates, but I expect that it will take one more month or so before SAS can conclude that all laid off pilots have denied their last offer of re-employment, and can start hiring external pilots again.
Last edited by SK-pilot; 9th Feb 2013 at 01:49.