Funny how things connect isn’t it? I recently met the Boeing man in charge of Aircraft Trading Contacts at a p*ss-up here in Singapore. Amongst other things, he mentioned that the six A340-300’s in question were currently under management (for maintenance) with Lufthansa and that (subject to contract) Boeing would shortly be moving them to Emirates and that further, amongst other things, he thought they represented a good opening for the pilots recently “let go” by SIA.
Perhaps the imperative of these aircraft arriving at Emirates plus that of an overstretched training department and a huge back-log of already ordered aircraft, is leading to the obvious conclusion?
Please don’t worry FO’s. With the equipment you have arriving, even the most ardent hot-air balloonist would be assured of a command in the fullness of time!