I spoke to a pilot last week in Perth. Says he's heard of Rex...

I spoke to a pilot last week in Perth. Says he's heard of Rex and considered them as a career but his ultimate goal is one of these bigger airlines and considers Rex one of those stepping stone kind of companies. Also explained these bigger airlines take care of their staff better in terms of amenities and considerably better salary (didn't talk numbers). IMO "poaching" wouldn't be how I describe what Qantas etc are doing more so just the natural path of least resistance. Don't tell me you wouldn't quit your job for one that's more fulfilling that actually pays you more.

While I'm here I also talked to a wise old captain while I was at it and he says the industry ebbs and flows and commented that demand isn't necessarily tied to economic booms such as mining.
Some posters here have commented on the older fleet and the ultimate need to replace them. I asked about the older model planes and he explained they are as valuable as the day you purchased them given you keep them up to date with servicing.