PFI is the not the way forward. It is only a short term fix. Where I am at the moment we have recently transferred to a PFI scheme from a previously MOD run scheme and we are now feeling the affects, everything is being cut back, worse than before, including the amount of paper we can use which is rediculous. And it is all because the PFI need to save money.
The PFI scheme may make short term finacial sense and although it may seem like a good idea to rent them out when not in use, can we actually see a time when they will not be in use, especially if they are going to be used in an AT role, when the AT fleet is overstretched as it is. This will lead to the aircraft being rented out to cover costs when in reality the aircraft will be required for operations.
Although if it is the only way of us having the aircraft then we will have to make do. A shame though.