FedEx HKG vs. Atlas STS
 

I posted this on the '"other board" but since this one has been bugging me to post, here it is again.

I was reading on another board about FedEx's plan to start an HKG base and the first thing that came to mind was how similar FedEx's basing plan in HKG is to Atlas' STS operation. Now I'm sure that statement is too general, (I'm sure I'll be flamed for it) so feel free to correct my limited knowledge on this issue.

Atlas' new base became such an issue that the company required new hires to be stationed there. I see the exact same thing happening at FedEx. What wasn't mentioned in the other post was the assumption being made was that it will be a 3-4 year F/O being sent there. But in a couple years when new hires are ready to hit the line where will they be sent, to HKG on first year pay, nice. I'm certain STS scared many away from Atlas as will HKG from FedEx. I can imagine many guys reading what's been posted, planning on getting out/making the move when FedEx starts hiring again saying, "holy $hit, forget them," while 24 yo Johnny RJ pilot is rubbing his hands saying MD-11 here I come!

What other similarities are there?

What the hell did you just say???

I haven't a clue what he said either. Where the hell is STS. Isn't that a Cadillac, a cream puff.

STS, I think he means STN or London-Stansted.

He's wondering if good quality pilots will avoid FEDEX in the future because they'll be forced to fly out of the overseas base, in this case Hong Kong, as a new hire because the senior FO's won't bid it. The quicktake on the main page for Atlas leads me to believe that Atlas expects it's pilots to commute to STN on the companies dime, so why wouldn't FEDEX do the same? I'm sure it would lead to 1 or 2 week trips though, tougher for a married pilot I'm sure.

That's my amature interpretation.

He's referring to Global Supply Systems (GSS).

GSS was formed to maintain cargo contracts with British Airways. There was a requirement that contract operators be 51% British owned.

It caused an uproar, however, because Michael Chowdry, the owner of Atlas, had announced his intention to move all flying overseas to escape U.S. labor laws and ALPA. He may have succeeded if he hadn't been killed. Atlas guys- want to fill us in?

HKG or STN ??????
 

You are partially right, GSS was formed to appease the Brits, because Atlas (US) crews were flying BA cargo on an ACMI contract. So along came GSS, which Atlas Air World Wide, dry leased a couple of our -400s to GSS and is crewed mainly with BA early retirees. Atlas Air (STN) is now staffed with junior pilots and engineers, who are on the mainline seniority list, we just signed an LOA the provides travel and lodging for our crews based at STN, so we no longer have to come out of pocket getting to and from work!

I personally would rather go to HKG over STN any day, it's cheap (eating and drinking), more stuff to do and in HKG, and they're lots of Philippinas running around :D, which can also make for a fun LAYover.

Happy 4th

He is saying that the hot-shot military guys will avoid FedEx while the wannabe RJ pilots will see it as an opportunity.

STS=Santa Rosa, Somona County, California. Didn't even know Atlas had a base there!!

Why not? Hong Kong is a great place situated in the "heart of asia". While memphis.....well,...you get the point.

FedEx/Atlas
 

....or is he saying that FedEx got the LOA idea from Atlas? Scary thought all on it's own.

In my opinion it is a matter of necessity. Not your aviation back round what will make an individual take a job here (HKG or CDG). In regard to the ATLAS STS rumor or possibility that it will happen here... Let the company get new hires out there if that is what they want. At the end of 2 years perhaps 1 year these individuals can claim hardship (good luck on this one) and/or find themselves down bidding only to lock themselves for 2 yrs (it might still be a pay raise).

On another note. No FDAs line examples have been put out yet. With a 3hr one way limo ride to the hub (btw you all know this is not on the clock),.How is the company going to cover RA and RB periods? Is the crew member responsible for his/hers own lodging near the hub? Food? Too many unknowns to let this document be shove down on our throats.

At the end of the day, people that want to be in either FDA will bid it. To them I will say go gripe to someone else on how crappy you situation is in the new FDA. And get used to hearing "You Bid It, You had a Choice"