I'm sure everyone affected is well aware of all this, but just in case:
Public law 111-216 is written that no matter what, all 121 crewmembers need to have an ATP certification even if the FAA fails to meet the final rule deadline. The proposed rule, that has not been finalized, states that sic needs a type rating in aircraft to be flown and 1000hrs sic time in 121 operation before becoming a 121 pic. It also has all the reduced flight times for aviation universities and military guys. Since the proposed rule is still just that, the company could send sics anywhere to get an ATP. I'm thinking that since the final rule isn't projected to be finished till Aug 1st, that is the only reason they might be entertaining this option. I would hope that we could all just go get our ATP in the plane we normally fly, but to check the box for the FAA we might be SOL. It is all speculation till we are scheduled for the training anyways. Good luck to all time builders to meet the deadline!