zerozero

Atlas has better management and a better union. What more can you ask for?

itsbrokenagain

UNless you have worked for both companies and recently I dont think this is a qualified statement at all... have you worked at both ?

zerozero

Nope. You got me.

Everyone should do their own due diligence. I've done mine.

Birdsmash

I have not worked for K4. However, Atlas is a well diversified company with a broader customer base and is still buying brand new Boeings. The Atlas CBA has better work rules.

C17B74

Note: Really don't need to have worked for both companies if you have the right questions. We frequent the same areas/stay at the same hotels at times and I have traveled with their crews even on commercial DHs overseas. You have quite a bit of time to compare your priorities/contracts with other outfits within our systems many of the times. Of course not everyone has this type of access, but we do with Atlas and Kalitta and it's the best way having first hand knowledge of what really goes on in each others bubble.

*Even quick reviews on these respective sites reveals quite a bit if you do the research as zerozero mentioned. We can all be biased no doubt, but catching up with crews around the world does bring answers to the surface.

Dave1088

I’ve worked for both. I quit Atlas 7 years ago so my experience probably won’t totally match the current conditions there. Both companies have very similar operations. Gateway/Home basing. Constant schedule changes. Occasional long layovers in cool places all over the world. Augmented crews just about every leg. And a mix of odd/fun crew members.

Now the differences.. Hourly is currently better at K4 and the schedule is better. 14-16 day lines where Atlas as far as I know is still 17 days across the board. Also Atlas can extend you where K4 cannot. This is huge IMO. I haven’t seen the current contract at Atlas but from I hear they have slightly better work rules at the moment. The management is better at Atlas. Travel and scheduling felt more efficient where K4 is often dysfunctional. I get the feeling that K4 still operates like this small mom and pop airline. More variety of airframe at Atlas which gives you more options in the kind of flying you want. (Domestic and sleeping regularly vs international zombie)

I value time at home above everything though so if I get 3 more days with my family I’ll deal with the dysfunction. But if I lived in a Atlas base that would also weigh in heavily.

Clue32

Minimum 13 Days Off per month at Atlas. Complete different than 17 days on. I almost hate hearing "we owe the company 17 days a month," more than finger prints on the CDU and LDS glass...almost. Bid packs are full of lines with 14 and 15 days OFF. I have seen a lot on the domestic Amazon side with 16-18 days OFF, even a few 20 Day OFF months. Split Lines seem to be the rule now not the exception. Sure, it's more travel, but we aren't away for so long, and longer single blocks remain available for those that want them.

Excess days off hurt your CRT. Conversely, being extended may not feel so bad when you look at your bank account on the 30th.

Atlas has a lot of variety between the fleets, and within. Obviously seniority controls one's QOL, but even a junior FO can find a base, schedule, or fleet that works.

C17B74

Definitely living in base (hopefully doesn't close on you) would be the most advantageous with Atlas. Both sides get jacked around scheduling wise, but if you're able to hold a primary line/Bid Line Guarantee (BLG) then it dampens any financial reduction concerns. Sometimes your schedule changes for the better or worse, but you won't be short changed as we were a few years ago. It seems efficiency has become a greater priority as of a few months ago. A substantial number of bid lines show actual flying hours exceed Calculated Rig Time (CRT) which wasn't the norm. Many folks enjoy Fixed Base Lines, 60 day lines and if able the less than 17 day lines so variety does exist with some seniority as was mentioned on the previous post. LTD was a much needed addition and Retirement is better - DC 12% now, 14% 2025, 16% 2026 and slight bumps in per diem currently $3.05 hr domestic/$4.80 hr international - 10 cent additional bumps to each in 2025 and 26. Live abroad and some compensation exists to get you to work and back although it may not cover your tickets depending on location and seasonal demand, etc. None of this is best in show anywhere, but definitely something to consider as a whole. Both outfits provide an exceptional lifestyle if it's your niche. Do your research as they are not like any of the brand names out there.

Hawkerdriver1

Thoughtful replies.


HD

Boeingthere

Any current details on this that can be shared?