I'm showing 16/class for the rest of the year. When you consider we will be increasing the fleet by a net of 18 between now and the end of the year (with about 9 pilots per aircraft), that means we need 162 pilots with 96 coming from new hires. I guess the rest will be found in the slightly bloated jet reserves we now have. I think the Brasilia reserve level is nearly ideal now.
Most of the jet deliveries coming up are on the UEX side of the house. IF we base them in FAT, then I imagine a lot of the FO's transitioning into the jet will come from the FAT Brasilia FO's. In general, jet transitions will be the biggest creators of vacancies in SLC and FAT. Other California domiciles may also feed the FAT RJ FO population since they are in easy commute distance.
Speaking from MY side of the classroom, I prefer the smaller classes. I get to now the pilots better, they have a better learning experience, have more room to spread out, and are less prone to be gnawing on each others legs by the end of class. I understand that you would be willing to take ground school in a crowded elevator if it would get you in a month earlier and I appreciate that eagerness.