Any word. Guys in my unit said things are to slow. Expecting US and world economy to slow and age 65 (Fall 07 or early 08). This will be a permenant slowdown for a while. There will still be hiring but expect to sit in the FE seat awhile and trickle movement to wide body FO in AK only, mostly 72. after 18 months or more!!!!!. Everyone and there mother trying to get into the right seat of what ever they can get before the music slows. they did not know anything about word on m&g's (rumor???). direct hire into rt seat wide and narrow will be a non player. Timing is everything and we missed the best times for a while.
Don't be so gloom. Air cargo is growing around the world and both Fedex and UPS are scrambling to get aircraft and crews to fill the need. I've been told by management types that Fedex is turning cargo away because we don't have enough lift. That is a good thing for us pilots. Hiring numbers will always vary, but the 5 year trend is great for those looking to get hired. Nobody knows how age 65 is going to impact hiring so just get your name in the hopper as fast as you can and aggressively join the race. Don't over analyze because the variables change each week. Just go for it and your chance will come! Good luck.