The new Bristow MD is going to have some hard work. It may be that Neddy Holdon made the company very profitable but does anyone think that oil companies like being threatened? With only the 2 companies to chose from in Nigeria, maybe they don't mind and I'm sure they'll make sure Aero (whether on its own or in co-operation with a company other than CHC) keeps going so there is some credible opposition to Bristow. Pilots and engineers continue to leave Bristow faster than they can be replaced and most of them are now getting work outside Nigeria, especially in Australia (where Bristow pilots have received a substantial payrise which now makes it worthwhile going there) and back in the Middle East (where the money is less, but the danger is too and the way of life much nicer).
CHC pilots may not have had their bonuses paid, but they are expecting a large payrise when their new rates are announced shortly. Much has been said about the CHC deathcamp, but this has now been abandoned and although the houses in Areta are old, at least everyone has a room with an en-suite bathroom and full meals are provided (even at work) free of charge by the company. All employees enjoy free internet access both at work and in their houses. With Bristow the housing ranges from the good to the truly awful and how the guys at Eket put up with the dump they exist in is beyond me
. There is much talk in Bristow of what happens when the S92s arrive, but so far, even though they have pilots and engineers away on courses, there is no sign of them actually coming. There are plenty of old underpowered, rattletrap early model 412 and 76s though. OK, Aero has quite a few old 365s, but the majority of them now are N3s and all the 76s are C+ models and the 2 EC225s will be seen here very soon. Actions speak louder than words!