All,
Word is out that HA has just won the Pluto contract with Woodside. V interesting times ahead on the NW Shelf indeed.
The ramifications of this news has already had an impact on business at a more established NW Shelf operator with a complete reversal of their problematic 'Domicile Policy'.
IOT attract the required numbers of suitable aircrew, HA will obviously have to provide competitive / attractive conditions for prospective candidates. As part of such a package, 2 on / off touring from any capital city in Australia will almost certainly be required.
As such, BHA has responded (with effect from 1 June 08) and agreed to allow all Capts and selected SFOs and FOs to tour from locations other than Perth at company cost. What's more, if you satisy certain criteria (I believe 250 hrs ME command, IR and a few other bits and pieces) then you may not have to re-locate to Perth at own cost to join.
This will have
MAJOR ramifications throughout the off-shore and military sectors of the helo industry, possibly into the EMS side of things too. This was without a doubt the final hurdle that was required IOT attract people to the current off-shore market leaders in Australia.
Apart from preventing a flurry of activity towards HA from BHA (despite the attractive rumoured conditions being proposed), Jayrow and arguably the Army / Navy will be uncompetitive. The chaps at Jayrow must be licking their lips right now with EBA talks stalling. The final piece of the BHA puzzle has been fixed and one would imagine secure their current pilot recruitment / retention issues as they continue to expand.
Market forces in play guys - it's a good time to be a helicopter pilot indeed...
P68
