The devil is in the detail! its actually described as a " salary advance" in which case it is taxable, and repayable if the pilot leaves within 2 years of joining. In essence is no different to German pilots getting 13 salary payments in a year, except they don't have to pay back! But yes, a kick in the balls for existing loyal Captains, maybe they should get a similar "golden handcuff" payment as NATS procedures. if the incentive keeps planes in the air, its a reasonable carrot from the bean counters