Have to say that my initial gut reaction was surprise in the least but....
I'm sure that in the contract, the aircraft owner will have a performance indicator of number of hours to be provided, serviceability rates, aircraft available etc. This is simply what the MOD would have negotiated. Now if the contractor has an excess capacity what is wrong with them using it for third party revenue generation? If the MOD is in agreement, seems sensible to me. As a civilian company they have a right (and indeed need) to make the balance sheet budget and generate profit.
Now considering guys and girls holding etc that is a different matter. If there is excess capacity perhaps the MOD doesn't want it or maybe it can't afford it.
As for using military airfields? Hope the locals don't complain about the extra weekend noise, but on the other hand maybe the services will get some reasonable
PR who knows.
But overall, it doesn't surprise me. Don't forget the FSTA project will use the aircraft for third party revenue generation too (maybe, if it ever happens!)