MANY of the new hires are going to the right seat because the back seats are currently clogged with former captains over age 60. Many of these fine aviators waited for our new contract to get ratified last fall before deciding to retire, now many are waiting to see if the mandatory retirement age gets changed to >60.

If a NH does go to the FE spot, it will be a very junior slot that won't move much until allowed to upgrade to a window seat. Contractually, you can't upgrade while on probation unless the company allows it. They haven't been allowing it lately except for the new ANC domicile opening bid(?).