DEP onto LH has happened many times in the past and, unfortunately for those stuck on SH at the moment, will probably happen again.
Whilst this will be a bitter pill for those wishing to transfer from SH to LH it is mainly going to be generated by training capacity. In order to release a SH pilot to a LH conversion course his/her seat needs to be filled prior to release.
Possibly due to a bit of shortsighted planning BA are struggling with workload on SH and the training department is already stretched with the projected training of current allocated DEP's and FPP's.
The LH fleets continue to grow however with the recent delivery of the final 777-300 and the last 787-800. There is now a short breather before commencement of 787-9 and 787-10 deliveries next year and we are still awaiting a decision on the 777X.
There is rumor that there is little or no training capacity on the Airbus to allow fleet transfers to go ahead in the current training year. BA has thumb screwed the trainers to the point where they are, quite rightly, balking at forced overtime.
Given the above scenario and the necessity for crews on the LH fleets especially as the 744 retirement programme inevitably drags there is a good business case for DEP LH entry.
Always keep in the back of the mind though that you will join at the very bottom and, when capacity allows, all of those wishing to transfer from SH to LH with valid bids will join the fleet roster ahead of you. It's a long journey at the bottom with a new rostering system that will undoubtedly benefit the company more than you.
