Originally Posted by Whistlin' Dan

Of course I have an opinion, as do you. In them, we may not agree. But if I've misstated some material fact, please correct me. The problem with ABX/Astar isn't the "sharing of routes" of which you speak. The problem lies in DHL's bringing in of ACMI carriers to service what growth they've enjoyed over the last 15 years. You don't see UPS or FedEx doing that, which is why DHL will always be a distant third-string carrier for which to work.

But let's assume that I "don't know of what I speak." I'll now pose the question to you..."Why does it take an average of 6 years to make Captain at UPS or FedEx, and 12 years (and counting, with NO immediate plans to hire) at ABX/Astar? Ya wanna try for some bonus points? Give me your best estimate on how many guys you'd need to upgrade were it not for the fact that Gemini, Kalitta, Northwest, (and soon) Polar was doing much of your International flying. The failure to grow either ABX or Astar is by design. Again, to be a seat-locked subcontractor in an industry that's been growing at 16% per year does not indicate to me a good company with which to plan your future.

The problem is in the way DHL is structured. Unless you can compell DHL to merge ABX and Astar, bring them "in house" and then start honoring their committment to scope, there's nothing to "fix."

As for there being enough "low budget operators" to serve DHL's needs, I've heard that ATI has already expressed an interest in taking over much of that service. I doubt it would happen overnight, but I think it could be done. But then, that's just my opinion...

Why would you assume that my "negative opinion" about what's going on at DHL/Astar is born of frustration over not being hired there? I can assure you, it is not. I am but one of many who wishes we had made some different decisions about where to hang our Ray-Bans for the last 10 or 20 years.

Originally Posted by nitefr8dog

DHL has little choice about having to use ACMI carriers being a foreign company.