ATSG (holdings group that owns ATI) recently decided to begin phasing out / selling ATI's DC-8 fleet (if they can find an interested buyer). Though everyone knew the DC-8s would be parked soon, it is sooner than many expected - including some management at ATI most likely. ATSG is the grand puppet master pulling all the strings. Original plans for hiring were most likely predicated on keeping several of the DC-8s flying (including a couple in the BAX system) on top of planned 767 deliveries for 2012. Hopefully we park 8s at the same rate we take 67s to prevent a pilot furlough. Don't look for much hiring around here anytime soon.
Some DC-8s will continue to operate next year - I believe the number was 9 (4 DC-8 combis, 2 DHL, 3 ADHOC charter). All DC-8 flying with BAX is over. This was also unexpected. Original plans communicated to us were that a couple of those planes would continue operating furthering the need for new pilots. That didn't work out. In the short term 26 pilots are being displaced from the DC-8 to the 767 eliminating the need for new hire pilots on that aircraft with its predicted growth next year...for now.
Good luck. Its rough out there...I know.
Last edited by NeedAJob; 11-30-2011 at 01:09 PM.