Is Qlink expecting a massive exodus? All of a sudden, Qlink Trainee F/O positions are up on the recruitment webpage.
Looks like all the cadets currently in hibernation at the Link will finally get to go home to mainline. As they make up a good percentage of the total pilot numbers their departure will be felt as a higher than normal attrition rate. Add to that the normal retirements, the lowering of requirements at Emirates, and the fact that they stuffed up the crewing numbers a number of months ago and then failed to hire anyone while they were trying to kickstart Propstar NZ.
What you are left with is a current shortage in the FO ranks, and future shortage in the Captain ranks.
How massive it would be is hard to say, sort of depends on how quickly mainline intend on bringing their children home, and if they are going to allow non-cadets into mainline from the Link.
I also hear that they are having issues finding the 'right stuff' at the interviews, seems GA is spitting out pilots who haven't read any of the IFR section in the AIPs.