Heard 22 very recently also........also heard firsthand from a management type that Atlas is sold out of lift for CY 2011....fwiw

~Slim

 

First couple of PAX birds are used ones, most of the freighter's will be brand new built for Atlas.

 

JimmyJr3,

As the saying goes...there is no stupid question.

Word on the line is that several management pilots/examiners have already been trained on the B767. There has been a "double secret" two-engine airplane project in the Training Dept for several years.

In fact, many of us line guys have seen the b767 operating manuals in the Training Center.

As for where the airplanes are going...several types of work has been mentioned. First is the AMC pax charters. Second, I have heard is DHL Worldwide for N Atlantic service for freighters.

Where would the airframes come from? Pax airplanes are likely coming from leasing companies and will likely be used ones. And the freighter will be new ones. At least, that is what I have heard.

Atlas does not buy airplanes for "expected growth". That is not the way they decide on anything. The philosophy has always been to buy airplanes, parts, people, etc only when new or existing customers are lined up.

My personal feeling is that they will not announce a new airplane type, and the customer roster, until our new CBA (contract) is finished. And that is likely going to happen in the next couple of months.

Good luck.

 

Purely from a piloting standpoint, the 757/767 (I have flown both) is just another aircraft when compared to the 747, but so is every other transport ever made, its either a whale or its not.

However, it will provide the smaller gauge some customers want.

From a seniority list standpoint, it is not about the numbers above you on the list. The magic is how many are below you.

 

No ingnorance in your questions at all.

Since the 2005 bankruptcy and new management team, they have had a couple of policies that are totally illigical in the industry. They don't sell the equipment rates for less than cost, they factor in a decent profit and if the prospective customer doesn't like it, there is someone down the road they should talk to.

Rule 2...they don't buy airplanes and then look for customers. They get the customer, and then put them into an airplane or if something different is needed, they go get it.

What sheer lunacy...right?

They have always maintained since 2005 that they would look at "light twins" based on customer need. What they have are customers who have decided they want the aircraft. A couple of things come to mind. First as I recall, a 747-400 is most cost effective on flight lengths of 8 hours or longer. So some markets, like South America will work, but can be more cost effective with a 767. (Remember, the customer is not only paying for the plane, they buy the gas too)

Second...Atlas is probably the best positioned carrier to become a "one stop shop" for AMC. Cargo, passengers and the strong rumor that future tanker ops will be flown by contract operators. I know, don't laugh or dismiss it...it has been out there for a number of years and they have the ability to do it. If you already have experience with the plane.....

One could surmise that the 76 flying will be less "tedious" in terms of not as many long legs and heavy crews, based on where they may be deployed. Time will tell.

One thing is certain. The management team thinks outside the traditional airline box and has done an amazing job with the company. The first 12 747-8's are coming later this year, the options on 14 more will be exercised...all having homes to go to. Add the 76's and what is projected in earnings per share this year...not bad at all.

And with the new pilot contract? With no offense to our brothers out there...who needs to be purple or brown?

 

Hmmmmm...767s eh?

What's competitive these days? 3100TT and about 1000 turbine...currently on the 767/757 at another company...0 TPIC unfortunately, but I've got oceanic and long-haul international experience.

Just fishing...not really in a hurry to make any moves, but it never hurts to ask.

 

Not unrealistic at all. In fact, already being done by 707's with an outfit called Omega.

 

744D and ATC,

Thanks a million for the info,...that all gets my juices flowing,...hope I get a call..

 

So how does this work when the contract runs out or altered? I'm guessing most of Atlas aircraft are leased?

Growth is great but just wondering how fast his can come unfolded if somebody comes in and underbids?

KC

 

Most of the aircraft are owned by Atlas WWH. Some aircraft are only operated by Atlas, and some will be leased.