That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out. Sailing keeps pointing to the official projected count, which I understand and there is value in that. But we've put out an official number every year of this hiring cycle that has, in every case, been exceeded by hundreds.

We all know that, as of now, the official number of approved and funded hires is 700. What we're trying to figure out is will that number stick, and if so, why is this year going to be substantially less than the last 3 years, and the only year not to exceed the projections?

If that's the case, if the rest of the industry throttling back a bit as well? Or are we about to get creamed by our JV's which is a significant potential concern.

We all know that 700 is the official number "at this time" etc. That's not the point.

700 is still a nice number to bring on board, and obviously every year can't be a record setting year. But this is the year when retirements really begin to start going ballistic, not to mention the training bubble will only increase with the 2 new fleets coupled with 2 waves of displacements (at least). Earlier this year I've heard 700 official but likely going over by hundreds again, just like we heard every year this cycle. Now no one is saying anything about going over. Not saying its time to panic, but a sudden slow down is something to watch, especially if its driven by the ability and desire to outsource.