The reason for the temporary crew is uncertainty over next winters requirements so an unwillingness to recruit permanantly as yet. The airline was about 20 FO's short but is using extra Skyservice aircraft this summer. . .I would have thought that anyone in on a seasonal contract this year would be a good bet for permanant employment when recruitment starts.
Airtours made nobody redundant after Sep 11 (retirement or otherwise) - they only flew 70% of their work.
Don't knock it - do you see anybody else recruiting?