Yes I think the closer we get to 2026 (recall expiry) the further up the list the recalls we go/happen. I and many are in the States having a burn on a wide body with Atlas and the like, full intentions on returning to VA but not quite yet. Having too much fun getting this out of our systems.

There would still have to be over 500 pilots left on the list who are inactive. How many of those have retired / left the industry / have no intention of coming back to VA - well your guess is as good as any.

Good on those that are off doing the Atlas thing who are hedging their bets with a position to return - you’d just have to be careful not to leave your run too late if you were planning on coming back. This level of recruitment is unprecedented and there has to be a time approaching soon enough where you think the doors will close and recruitment will stop or at least slow significantly.

With VA being set up for sale and a possible economic recession pending as interest rates rise its a risk for those on the inactive list delaying their return.

Has anyone been through the interview process recently and made it onto the hold file? What timeline are the giving for a possible start date?

I was told mid 2023 by recruitment.

I've heard people say mid-2023 at the earliest. But, also heard people more recently say towards the end of 2023. Either way, there are still a few handfuls of inactive that haven't had the opportunity to come back yet. A solid 2 or 3 pages on the list, it seems. How many have bids in? How many above those pages have put bids in recently? Recruitment of inactive has been slow and quiet since November. You'd assume the time of year contributes to that.

"Somewhere" in the second half of 2023 is probably as accurate as anyone can be at the moment.

I wonder if there’s a reason that so many are in no hurry to go back to VA?

Maybe this.
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https://www.watoday.com.au/business/...16-p5ccs2.html

Finally some good news on recruitment. March/April grounds school are filled and not far off the bottom of the list. Externals aren’t far away!

Or the ever growing number of active VA pilots, many with double digit years of service, that have left to come to the US...

Anyone know how many are on the external hold file (not inactive list)? Thanks

Have also heard that VA are paying for flights and accommodation in BNE for external applicants to interview. About time!

So 200 more pilots needed by the end of this year. A similar number over at Jetstar. Plus QF and all its subsidiaries. Smaller operators who might already be feeling the pinch with crewing problems might find things are about to get even harder.

90 captains and 200 first officers at VA needed.

I think you’ll find a bunch of the now jet rated and experienced Aussies who left for a US stint (and aren’t able to move on to a major there for immigration reasons) may come back and fill a number of slots at JQ/VA/QF. Probably not enough to fill the holes completely but should make a nice dent.

Come back to what? 20% paycut at VA and 14+ years to a command. Most that have gone to USA have not even needed to renew their Visas yet. Oz aviation is far from the be all end all.

Now I reckon you be soundin' likes one of them delusional HR desk jockeys... we don't take no kindly to your types round here.

Why would anyone at Rex, QLink subsids NJS 717, Network, Dash8s, Cobham or Alliance Ejets sit around when there’s 200 seats opening up at VA?

If you’re in Q Group you ain’t coming to mainline anytime soon. They’re heavily hiring externals taking up seniority and if you get offered an interview as an internal, and IF you get through onto the hold then expect to be held for potentially a few years as they trickle pilots out just to dangle that carrot in front of you.

Go to VA. Fly a brand new 737 Max. You’ll have also a higher chance of applying to QF as an external if that’s your thing.

Sadly this is true . It’s a shame there’s not group seniority at QF , it’s mighty unfair when you can’t shift to mainline .

There are still hundreds of pilots that could return to VA, myself included. I was a 12 year VANZ Captain, but my seniority at the moment would only let me return as an FO. I have a command with an Airline in Oceania which I am enjoying. Once my VA seniority moves to the point where I can return as a Captain I will probably go back. I have until 2026 to decide. I know a lot of ex VA guys and girls in a similar position.