COP,
PB was initially set up as a cheaper version of DJ. The accountants worked out that if they were employed in NZ, PB didn't have to pay super, loss of licence insurance and a few others, along with the fact that they were on less salary and on contract if things didn't work out the way they expected.
After a couple of years of ops PB have now found themselves in the position of have twice the crew to aircraft ratio of DJ. All the cost incentives that were initially there to be had, have now become a debt to the airline. PB were expected to expand, however only their main routes still exist with only minor expansion in the Pacific. This leaves PB with only a minor part in the Pacific and inefficient rosters, wheras DJ has now has identified synergies that would actually make it cheaper to have the aircraft crewed by DJ pilots.
It now turns out that PB have ETOPs and DJ had it, then lost it, want it back, but can't get it!? This is why all DJ pilots will need a NZ licence when operating an NZ aircraft on ETOPS routes through the Pacific.
Hope that clarifies some points?
BTW, no disrespect intended. I personally know a handful of guys working with PB and would only hope the best for all of them, if this works out the way previously mentioned. Most of us have been out of work before and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Last edited by Macrohard; 9th Feb 2006 at 13:28.