The 5 slots will not even cover retirements over the next 12 months let alone stop the 185 hour divisors, constant assignment of sim supports and standbys or breaking of pattern lines.
I agree. There will be a few "early" retirements when the BNE B747 posting finishes next year - this will make the crewing issues even tighter. I hope HR learn from their mistakes and stop "burning" pilot applicants.