We are definately very short of pilots, but we are not parking any airplanes because of it. The same rumour is floating around about Emirates and it is bullocks also. With regard to Expats upgrading, it does happen. Every westerner will get their upgrade interview in seniority order. (That is Expat pilot seniority list order) Taiwanese pilots are different. Whether the Expat passes his upgrade is based on many factors, including your performance and company record. It is VERY political, as this is a VERY political company.

If you are asking about the inerview, it is a 5 day process. First day is a SIM eval on the B744. Second day is 2 written tests; one is an english test, the other is an aviation knowledge test which is fairly difficult. 3rd day is the interview, and the final 2 days are the medical which is very detailed.