As of now, we are not hiring, and I don't know of any plans. Airnet is running very lean, and we are in fact short-staffed. However, management must feel that it's cheaper to charter runs than hire more pilots. We are so short that the chief pilot, lead instructor, and director of training are all flying, and frequently. This is not SOP at airnet...or at least didn't used to be.
As far as the Lears go... Forget the idea of ever flying a Learjet here. As they come up on major inspection, they sell or part them out rather than pay for the inspection. When I was up there three weeks ago, we had five on the chopping block. If I'm correct, that leaves us with about 8 jets left. Down from about 20 two years ago. (I believe this is right, but somebody please correct me if I'm wrong). They aren't upgrading pilots. Believe me, I'd be bidding very aggressively if they were, I've been in the baron/chieftan for two and a half years.
I'm not trying to down on my company, because I love being a freight dog. But the reality is this: The AirNet that we used to know is gone.