HP
If this is a route Virgin are looking to take what's the chances of them dropping the weight requirement and start considering experienced people flying Turboprops and regional Jets.
We have our own cabin crew with ATPLs who are not being looked at. They want to take people from all backgrounds and bring them on. It's almost a 'big society' thing i'm afraid. So, for now, the only route in is the stated requirements and hope. As has been stated there are a large number retiring over the next 10 years which will not be filled by cadets alone.
As we seem to be changing our routes for short, one night, stops the pilot requirements/recruiting must go down as heavy crews aren't required. If we do introduce some longer routes, then obviously things improve.