CTC said 8000 applied last year, but they "only" received 5000 completed applications. Those FPP numbers are interesting, I'm sure I heard 3000 or so applied for it this year? FTE told me during my visit to Jerez that 4500 applied to Aer Lingus. I hope you're right Chris!
All the airlines will look for similar traits in their pilots, but obviously each company will place more of an emphasis on specific traits than others.