Originally Posted by Senior Skipper

I don't get it.

ABX Air allows the customer to choose the alternate it wants, which in this case was not in the FMS database, causing the captain some discomfort.

Who is the "customer"? If they mean the person whose cargo they're moving, since when does the customer have any say in the operation?

Beyond that, how can a CA be disciplined for his choice of alternates? The FAA is clear on who is ultimately responsible for the safe outcome of the flight. Furthermore, I'll assume their OM is like mine, and includes something like:

the PIC and dispatcher must agree...

I hope there's more to this story than what's in the article. If not, we have a major problem with this company going against the Captain's authority.