There has been a period going on a year where this has happened, yes.

However, each vacancy bid (called an AE - Advanced Entitlement) resets the “pool” of positions which can be offered to NH’s. This is because all positions must be offered to those on property first, and the “leftovers” go to New Hires. New AE = new list of NH possibilities.

There are many who believe the days of WB’s going to NH’s are going to end soon, for various reasons. Historically, with the exception of the 767-400 in NYC, it has taken 8-10ish years to hold WB B. It will not go that far ‘up’ DOH-wise, as we have had half the seniority list hired in the last 8 years, and it didn’t take 50% in the company to hold WB B. Regardless, the WB vacancies will likely be gobbled up before they go vacant going forward. IMHO.

So, I wouldn’t count on it. It was good for some while it lasted.

As for upgrade times, those may stay relatively junior. We have had probationary pilots get awarded some Captain positions. I think it will trend a little more senior to that going forward, but still be available at the 2-3 year point. That’s a soft prediction though, as it’s really anyone’s guess. Lots of demographic changes with Covid which may throw historic norms out the window.

Good luck.