southernmtn Whilst there are of course many locals on the top scale they do not enjoy rental allowances ,expat allowance or education allowances. I am sure SIA would dearly love to be rid of some or even all of their local oldtimers but even I do not think they would do as you suggest and replace them with cheaper foreigners.
It will be interesting to see if SIA start not renewing expat contracts especially those on many increments and with expensive education allowances. Perhaps the days of an ex-pat be able to consider SIA as a full career move are well and truly over!!!