Monarch has always been one of the airlines I have a high regard for. My sympathies to those involved.
I would think Monarch is top heavy with experienced pilots as most seem to have been very happy there and they have historically had a stable workforce. I assume they still have a final salary scheme (for most) so would it not be a wise move for those aged 55+ to take retirement now so cutting their losses by protecting their pension (once in payment it should be guaranteed)? Again assuming the situation has not got so far to halt this option. It would cut the number of pilots facing an uncertain future and protect those older experienced pilots who would find it more difficult to get a job and not likely to want to go to the sandpit or accept the new contracts on offer with other airlines or the reduced terms with Monarch. It would also give time for the pension scheme to be restructured. Fewer captains would face demotion in the cutbacks and some F/O would be offerred places with BA/easy helping to streamline the business further without redundancies.
I was not aware as someone has said that LIFO does not apply, I thought it did.
I do agree with others that 'shoehorning' Monarch pilots into jobs with easy above those really wanting and waiting to join is not fair or desirable. Give the job to the best person irrespective of their situation.
I really hope Monarch survives for the individuals concerned and the UK airline industry as a whole.