The good times generally don't last more than 3 years and we are over 18 months into the good times. The bad times are just around the corner and they last longer than the good times.
Very true.
However, the one European airline that has a history of expansion in recessions is Ryanair.
While it is understandable that young FOs see the likes of BA, Virgin, Thomson, Monarch and Jet2 as career airlines, one ought to look at how those airlines have been effected by past recessions.
The 'greener grass' is more likely to be mown than the 'hardy, stubbly' variety. Remember: first in, first out.