Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if there are going to be 2 separate Airbus bases for pilots now they're replacing the 737's at LGW? Or are pilots going to be based at both LHR and LGW simultaneously?

Two separate bases.

Regards

Mentioned at recent management forum during training that DEP recruitment will begin middle of next year. 30 to 40 mentioned.

Don't shoot the messenger.

Along with another sizeable FPP recruitment part three.

CanAV8R,

I've heard exactly the same. The stars are aligning for a recruitment process to begin in Q4 2013, for courses to run in the Winter months.

Numbers will not be large, expect circa 50 positions to fill the boots of those lost by natural attrition.

Would be a touching gesture if recruitment were to invite those who sank in the recent hold pool back for another shot at the title ;-)
Think there were about 80? A few have moved on, others may no longer be interested. Hopefully it will be seen as the fair thing to do, providing those concerned are considered eligible for the positions available

Isn't short haul overcrewed and training facilities at max capacity? Can there be a requirement for DEPs at present when there isn't capacity for FPP cadets?

I don't know exactly how the bidding system works though. If there's an unexpected requirement for LH pilots in the time between bids, do they then go back down the bid list to those who were just below the cut off at bidding time and offer them the slots? Or do they seek suitable external candidates?

Fair means 'the same for everybody' so to single out people previously in the hold pool, which was never pre agreed as a condition of not being offered a place, would not be fair. Do not confuse being kind, logical, generous or respectful with being fair! That said, I understand your frustration.

I'm long past frustration. The writing was on the wall when the plans for bmi were announced. Most accepted the fact and got on with it. The pilot recruitment manager concerned was very open and straightforward and I, for one, was grateful for that. Leaving the definition of fair aside, I am hoping that the right thing to do will be to contact former poolers. It was done before with those failing to achieve positions in 2008. Hopefully it might be done again, providing eligibility criteria is met. However these are just my own thoughts, I realise some within BA and those aspiring to join BA as fresh applicants may not see it that way.