The train is grinding to a halt; March/April will be the first months that there are not enough pilots.
They are getting close to the recruitment figures since accepting turboprop pilots however retention is a huge issue.
The target was set high however it would appear it will be met with some comfort, the oil price has helped out there however it has also deepened the manpower issue. Airlines in Europe, Asia and USA are starting to grow and recruit (heavily in some cases).
If there is no profit share along with anything less than a 15% pay rise I fear for the expansion plans at the very least. There's many pilots awaiting the pay review to decide whether to stay or go - and with job offers/options, yes, they are serious.
Alan Pardew