All the "i've heard"s above are simply runour until the ink dries. Most of all wonder why Virgin would out source the crewing if they could do it themselves. Answer $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Virgin contract Skywest to do the flying, WHY? Because they will do it cheaper than Virgin will, along the same lines as Cobham/Qantas.
Skywest have to make a buck so even though they are providing crews at a reduced rate to Virgin, Skywest will still have to make a buck and that comes through reduced terms and conditions. One would expect at least 10% less than if Virgin employed you, probably closer to 25%+
It's not often that I disagree with you, RENURPP, but in this instance I have to say you're incorrect.
Without going into commercial-in-confidence, I can assure you that the flying was
not outsourced as a first priority, and certainly not for the reasons you allude to.
