I don't think the layoff can be blamed on the loss of the BP contract, since it is stilll in CHC's hands until August 2004.
There will, I am afraid be lots more turmoil in the industry now, BP have bought in a lower rate provider who will have to pay lower rate wages with poorer conditions.
I think we will see some parallels with the EasyJet syndrome where there is basically a 2 tier system, the low cost low wage paying airlines and the high cost high paying airlines. Watch Bond re establish fully and start to take work frm CHC and Bristow, but more importantly, at lower rates which is bad for staff.
Alas, the oil industry seems to be trying to break the small gains in terms and conditions which were so hard won last year. It seems that the lot of the NS pilot will not improve much over the long term.