With the current levels of supervision, auditing and micro regulation by the CAA, it is unlikely that any operator would be able to make significant savings on maintenance costs in order to reduce a tender for a contract.
Furthermore, anyone who has tried to satisfy the CAA with a customised Minimum Equipment List for a specific type will vouch for the fact that fewer and fewer anomalies may be accepted on departure and this will inevitably lead to delays and curtailed flights.
A Super Puma turning back with a relatively minor autopilot glitch will inevitably be reported as `Stricken `copter limps to safety after nightmare for 19 passengers`- it`s the way yo tell`em!