From a Brit mil chap:
firstly this is not the first time the FI contract has gone to a none-Brit company; AIR LUXOR anyone. And secondly, beyond a throw away comment from the observant pax (most wouldn't notice what nationality the jet belonged to), as long as the flights operated on time and everyone had a seat then I doubt the troops wouldn't give two hoots about who is operating the flight. We put up with a lot worse, for example 8 hour plus flights packed in the back of a Herc on a canvas seat.
The only time the airline will get grief from the end user is when the flight is delayed or cancelled as this is the worst news you can get after 4-6 months in the Falklands.
If the troops had their way the airline with the prettiest stewards would get the contract.
