Interesting replies but no real feedback or confirmation that it is going to happen.
The current PB cost base would increase significantly if
VB crews took this on full time, as Australian labour costs would still be paid. Contract crews are very cheap (relatively speaking).
Also, can't see how PB crew numbers could be reduced much with the current network and duty hours involved.
It may well pay to keep PB afloat until all the issues with Trans Pacific flying, use of the
VB name etc etc are resolved - and that could take years.
The other "biggy" is how will an outcome from the barney between Toll and Patrick affect both
VB and PB?