From ATSG 2nd quarter press release:

DB Schenker Relationship

"DB Schenker recently announced plans to adopt a new business model on September 1, 2011, at which time it would cease air cargo operations at its air hub in Toledo, Ohio, and instead conduct air operations from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky airport, the location of DHL's U.S. air network hub. DB Schenker has notified ATSG that the eight DC-8 and eight Boeing 727 freighters currently operated by ATSG's airline subsidiaries in its North American network will be reduced to four DC-8 and three Boeing 727 freighters through the end of 2011, after which DB Schenker expects to outsource its air cargo operations to DHL. DHL has informed the Company that it anticipates negotiating terms during the fourth quarter of 2011 for the use of all or some of those seven aircraft beginning in 2012. ATSG said it will explore options for redeployment or sale of the surplus aircraft and will conduct an impairment analysis on ATSG's aircraft fleets, intangible assets and recorded goodwill balances during the third quarter of 2011.

Hete added that, “While we would have preferred that DB Schenker partner with us to upgrade its dedicated air network, we are uniquely positioned, as the main provider of aircraft in DHL's U.S. network, to support both major customers by supplying the incremental lift required to meet the air-cargo needs of DB Schenker's customers via the DHL air network. Our own core business strategy remains strongly focused on leveraging our leading scale, scope and experience as a lessor and operator of highly flexible and efficient mid-size freighters, and in particular the Boeing 767, the preferred mid-size wide-body platform for air cargo networks around the world. While we expect to continue to operate a lesser number of DC-8 and Boeing 727 aircraft in 2012 and beyond, those aging aircraft were not considered part of the growth platform for our business. The eventual removal of those Schenker-dedicated aircraft is projected to eliminate $10-15 million in annual cash expenditures for capital maintenance, and will reduce related support costs."

“We are well positioned to achieve significant cash-flow gains this year from the deployment of our remaining in-process 767s, and for even greater results in 2012 as we continue to reinvest our cash flow to selectively acquire, convert, and deploy more modern aircraft with superior capital return profiles, along with our expanding range of maintenance, operating, and network support services.”



In summary, what I understand is that only 4 DC-8s will now be sidelined. The remaining 4 will operate for DB Schenker through DHL out of CVG. I suppose this agreement stands a chance at dissolving next year since DHL plans to renegotiate during the 4th quarter of 2011. I'm not sure DHL is in love with either the DC-8 or 727.

Sounds like ATI will balance on a razors edge with the timing of their recalls between surplus DC-8s and taking deliveries of new 767 freighters.

How many furloughs are planned at Capital?