Well, I'm Swiss, so potentially biased. However, B permits are of course not specific to the airline industry. They are normally issued for 12 months and are renewed automatically, if you are with the same employer. Most EU country citizens automatically become eligible for C permits Some countries need 10 years. C permits give the same rights as Swiss citizens, except for voting.
Contrary to popular belief, especially among employers, B perimts are transferrable from one employer to another, on request. The receiving employer has to be willing to go through a very small amount of administrative hassle.
Also contrary to popular opinion, requests to move B permits from one canton to another, if you move house, are normally approved. Both cantons have to agree, but normally do so. You pay far lower taxes in Vaud than Geneva, so quite a number of people move, to the frustration of the authorities.
Momo