It's no surprise that HAL has more applicants than jobs....and the reality is that managers are going to great lengths to ensure that the hiring process is truly fair, if not genuinely transparent. It is point based, but I don't know if points are given for being related to a current pilot, etc. Maybe if a captain has worked there 30 years and guided his kid through the ratings and building experience process, that's worth something. I think that a rec may help you get the interview, but beyond that the obligation is entirely on YOU, no matter who you are.

The reality is these current openings are just for attrition...IF, and it's a big IF, the 321s are delivered as scheduled, and 76s are retired, there will be a larger number of new hires. Let's hope in the meantime that someone doesn't try to merge, acquire, or take over this gem of an airline. If they do, they'll all be sucking wind......

By the way, I think they've hired their last captain for a long while some time ago if they anticipate a 1000 pilot airline....for what it's worth.