Not sure about what the 'arrangements' were between them.
Al wrote a very gracious open letter to all jumpers thanking them for all the support for his 'vans over the years but he was pulling all his support like load organisers and other motivators from the DZ. everyone was wondering what was happening. Then 'homer' just hit the country unannounced. Macca must have been bursting at the seams at NSPC's 50th. wondered why he had a dopey grin on his face all week. I'll ask around on SS and see what he is doing.
I was refuelling MNV, now owned by Bowie, during the 50th and there are heaps of loose rivits on the top of the wing. built a bit light i think.
I always preferred the twin otters personally.
FH