I was at Chicago, like everyone else said, very informative and very professional (good cookies too). I wore a shirt and tie, some had suits, some had on the uniform. Excellent presentation, they basically want time on Type....no mention of SIC. As far as Direct entry Captains, they take them when they need them. They basically said, as they grow they want to maintain a certain amout of Command experience... meaning from time to time they will have street captains come in so that not all experience is gained simply inhouse. An interesting point of view and after thinking for a while I guess it makes some what sense. However unless you Have 7000+ and heavy PIC on their current equipment they are really looking for just F/Os.
I'm and RJ guy, so I was just as bummed to hear the bomb at the end, but I agree they cant hold out forever, but there is a surplus of qualified guys on the street to choose from. Captain Matta, gave impressive growth and expansion numbers, but wouldn't guesstimate Hiring criteria beyone the end of the year. A little less than what I was hoping to hear, but all in all a descent expereince, and keep updating the App.