Other schools to follow shortly, big box schools. bigger than UND. cough cough.
What many of those pilots waiting on the sidelines hope for IS the interview. And although, on paper, in an interview they trump almost everything about these pipeline candidates, if there is no interview, there is no job.
I don't think the worry of a 1200hr pilot at Delta is a concern. Closely monitored from the beginning, a recent graduate works for a year and gains 750 hours at the flight school. These numbers are in line with the proposed amendments to the 1500hr which allow "credit" from advanced training, jet courses, etc. The flight school doesn't want them to leave because many are already leaving in droves as it is, CFI's are becoming a commodity in the race to the bottom.
The pilot then goes to ASA for 2 years and builds another, say, 1500 hours. Still a low time pilot at around 2250TT. No notable PIC time, some jet experience, and being part of the program...expecting an interview...something that captain can't get because he doesn't have recs. or these pipeline candidates have priority.
There is no advantage for Delta other than the fact that they are bright eyed, bushy tailed, and the candidates have an "owe big D" mentality. They may, in fact, be a liability. The "stringent" Delta interview isn't dumbed down, but if you've been watching people for a long time you start to get a feel for their decisions and personality. The idea of an intern getting hired. Recommendations. Management likes the program, so they select candidates from it, etc etc.
ASA solves its immediate staffing needs and doesn't have to worry about people looking for a decent contract, "Hey, I'll only be here two years" or "I'm not looking to stick around here, I'll be at Delta soon". They play nice so they get the recommendation to continue to Delta.
The flight schools benefit from better instructor retention, marketing, and a truly comprehensive flight program that allows them to outsell other training options.
I don't see it being as bad as others have said, more akin to the chief pilot's son or someone with connections getting an interview before someone else who "deserves" it or "put their time in".
Do I agree with it? Not really. It's misleading to a prospective student and really an un-enforceable agreement which could leave pilots unhappy that they haven't gotten their call yet because the flight school, ASA, or Delta aren't hiring. It is a continuation of not necessarily the entitlement problem of Gen Y but of the selfish mentality of most pilots. If I do this, it's only going to affect me, and I'll get my time and get out.
What I do see is what many of the others have already voiced; a lack of respect for these pipeline pilots. Ask the Spirit pilots how their bridge program worked out about 2 years ago with ERAU. Ask those bridge pilots how they were treated.
Other programs like this are happening now with CapeAir/JetBlue and Spirit ground instructors. The first group of these are about to head towards the line in the next year...
Life is unfair/expensive.