Mountainman, Wizzard
The title low cost operator maybe justified with regard to the price BP are paying. I'm not familiar with the ins and outs of the contract, but if the cost to BP is less than the opposition were charging I dont think this is due to Bond "paying their employees less (among other things!)" - as you've stated.
The flight crew pay scales are almost identical to competitors and in some cases better. The number of crew that migrated across the airfield would not have done so if this were not the case. Also, none of these crew were in threat of being pushed, as Wizzard stated. They would not have been at risk due to their age, experience, seniority.
As for "Among other things":
-All the flight crew have been sent to Eurocopter in the South of France to complete courses of training. This was not just crew that required the full AS332L2 type rating course, but also those who already had the type on their license. The engineers have been through similar courses of training, also in France. This is a cost that the opposition have chosen not to bear.
-5 new AS332L2s with a more advanced Nav kit than the oppo. A quieter cabin and more comfortable seating is not the cheapest option either.
-A totally refurbished hangar/terminal, with brand new equipment, which the engineers seem very happy with.
Maybe Bond are not a 'Low cost operator'. They are just more careful where their resources are being allocated. Where it counts - on Training, equipment, and employees (those that bend'em and those that mend'em), and not on buildings full of beancounters trying to keep Big Brother across the Atlantic happy!
Some may think I'm off on a tangent with regard to this thread, but I think if Bond Offshore Helicopters carry on the way they have started and approach Jigsaw in a similar way, I have no doubt the operation will be a success.
Mountainman, I'm sure you know a lot more about the SAR aspects of the operation than myself, as I have no experience in this role. I do understand the difficulties in getting experienced crews (which I agree, is a must!) and setting up efficient training programs. A year ago many people had doubts, myself included, as to wether Bond would be up and running, competetive, and safe. I've been pleasantly surprised.
As I said, if they continue in the same vein, you might be surprised at how they cope with Jigsaw.
I'm sure experienced crews will be sourced and they will have to be payed well for their services. Just as the offshore line crews were sourced.
Still smiling.
