Nope.
From what I have been told through the CP's office (other than the administration of the Blue Dart program - and that's just more of a distribution role) they have been completely shut out of the hiring process and that it's all up to the Talent folks and the People Department. There is an internal committee that has been tasked with finding and grading the candidates - We have a bunch of crazy acronyms, but it's a special group of people that have been tasked to find the candidates, select them, and then grade them through the interview. (From what I understand.)
It is frusturating because when you know so many great people that would fit great at the airline - there is nothing you can do. I told my boss that I really could use about 20 Blue Darts, and that would just be a start.
The LOR's come into play once you have the interview and you are being selected to continue or given the down check.
I had two friends interview recently, both got the thumbs down. I wrote glowing LOR's for both. I am baffled why they weren't hired.
I knew no one when I started here - and for the life of me I cannot figure out exactly what they are looking for except for people to be themselves and have a strong desire to help others. (Customer Service 'philosophy') It's a great place to work.
I haven't heard any rumors about the window opening, but it would make sense. Lots of slots to fill before the end of the year and into next year. And rumors have it that the current 'pool' of applicants/interviewees/etc. is drying up so that usually means a flush of the system and re-opening the window.