The new civilian set up will have more reliable a/c as they are newer but will they be able to surge assets when required.
When the Air India 747 crashed off Cork we were able to produce 3 Seakings from RAF Brawdy (we had a training unit aircraft attached because the RN at RNAS Culdrose were on block leave).
The 1st and 2nd standby a/c were fully crewed but the 3rd had 3 pilots and a winchop. The 3rd pilot acted as winchman as he had previously been a load master before re-roling as a pilot.
This was 27yrs ago so the Seakings were younger and very serviceable. Will a civilian unit's S92s be as serviceable as they get older having been exposed to a salt laden atmosphere - who knows? They will however not have the surge ability that the Military has had.
HF