It wouldn't surprise me that hiring slowed. It was announced on the last earnings call that a decision was made in the last 30 days to retire all 27 400s over the next 18 months. It was also stated that net aircraft growth would only be SIX over the next two years. Hard to see why we would need to hire those kind of numbers for that little growth.
I think the board meeting is this week. There was some rumblings about needing board approval for something but it's probably just more money for share buybacks.
Time will tell.