Skytrans is or was a 404 operation and Barnard made plenty of $$$ with them.
Of course he did, old 404's with plenty of hrs from third world countries are cheap. Refit them, a new paint job and they're a cash cow.
Probably sick of whinging "Gimme a turbine" pilots like Swamp Monkey.
Who's whinging about not flying a turbine. The outfit had minimal progression. ie, never expanded beyond 10 seater pistons. Pilots there are probably sick of no progression and bugger all pay for working up to 1000hrs a year.
Would you prefer to fly as passenger in a relatively new dash to townsville or sit in an unpressurised 30yr piston twin?