The January '18 OPS update states that 1,092 pilots were hired in 2017 and the plan is to hire an estimated 1,000 in 2018. The data they shared shows that 2017 was the 4th consecutive year of roughly 1,000 new hires.

There was also mention of a new pilot recommendation and application process in the works, but no additional details were shared. I shared my feedback (when asked by the CP) about the current recommendation and application process, and I'm hopeful that the changes they are working out will be positive ones. It seems like the intentions are good.