Yeah, new-hires directly into the A320 will be a possibility. Becoming very likely into 2013 when the retirements really start to leave the property. Between now and then, E190 looks to be the only option unless the new flight time/duty regs require a recalculation of pilot manning levels.

No prospects at all for the next several years. All the guys coming up on retirement who desire a B767/A330 seat, must bid it prior to age 63, or the company will not train them. The majority of the pilot group is already at top-of-scale (12th year) pay rates, so both CAs and FOs desire the widebody positions in order to maximize their pay from an agreement that was made during bankruptcy. The most junior 767 FO is a 12 year employee (possibly from the same 1999 new-hire class as your buddy), at top-of-scale pay, and makes only $1 less per hour than the most junior E190 CA that has the same 12 years of service.