Originally Posted by Der Meister

But I did know their qualifications hence I said they were my peers.

Peer:
:noun:
1. A person of the same legal status: a jury of one's peers.
2. A person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.
3.something of equal worth or quality: a sky-scraper without peer.
4. A nobleman.
5. A member of any of the five degrees of the nobility in Great Britain and Ireland (duke, marquis, earl, viscount, and baron).
6. Archaic. a companion.

While we do not know each airlines preferences, one could infer that if their peer is hired before they are, it could be due to race/sex. Is all I am saying