@pilotchute
Singapore Airlines immediately comes to mind. Until 2006, their training subsidiary Singapore Flying College only accepted ab-initio cadets, with training costs paid for by the airline in exchange for a work-service commitment.
In 2006, SFC started to accept a limited number of "self sponsored" cadets. The tuition cost is very high -- about $150,000 USD -- so only those from relatively wealthy backgrounds will be able to afford this ("easy credit" or not). As with the ab-initio cadets, there is no guarantee for employment, but self sponsored cadets have the same opportunities to interview with Singapore Airlines, etc., upon graduation.
However, right or wrong, there is a sentiment there that the "best" pilots will come from the Air Force, followed by the ab-initio cadets. Many see pilots who must pay for their own CPLs as second best, most perhaps "not good enough" to compete for the SIA mainline positions but suited for the regionals (Jetstar, Tigerair, Dragonair, Air Asia, etc.)
SIA now has too many pilots, so the SFC will get increasing pressure to accept more and more "self sponsored" cadets destined for other airlines.