There are benefits to using contractors/freelancers in the bizjet sector notably providing roster stability in high season without the risk of increasing fixed overheads. It provides flexibility.
However, the downsides are the availability of type rated pilot, the impact on the company culture (what does it say to the full time pilots?) and consistency as seen from the client side. I think the bizjet sector is completely client-centric so consistency is pretty fundamental to building personal relationships and long term rapport.
I would have to agree that No there
currently is not a strong demand for contractors (only for fall back purposes) however
if the economy persists in the current direction then some operators may feel it to be expeditious to cut their fixed overhead and have their pilots on freelance contracts. A scary thought i know....
