Looking thru this thread it seems that the old hypocricies are coming out again. There is a lot of discussion here regarding specific aircraft lease arrangements, registration, etc. etc, but lets face it, all anyone is really interested in is the jobs flying said aircraft, wherever they be and whatever registration they are!! There are a number of CAA licenced pilots whinging about the fact that aircraft that are being wet leased in are being flown by non CAA licenced crew (God forbid!!), and are, as a result taking jobs that are "rightfully" theirs. Perhaps then, leaving the leasing issue aside for a few moments,it would be fair if all the foreign carriers that employ expatriate British flightcrew (and there are still many employing a considerable number of Brits out there)should revolk their validations and work permits and employ only homegrown or other foreign national talent instead, with all the said expats flocking home to take up jobs here?? Do I smell a double standard? As long as aircraft tech state and crew competance are acceptable then I see no problem with short term leasing in. It only becomes a problem if airlines start to become "virtual" companies, leasing in their entire fleet. Also, before anyone says it, lets not play the "foreign operators aren't as safe" card. Many foreign operators work to standards as high, and sometimes higher than CAA, (and have better accident/incident stats). Lastly, in case you are wondering, I have no axe to grind. I hold CAA & FAA licences, and have worked for both UK and overseas companies.