ASIANpounder13

If one had to choose, where would you go and why? Kalitta and Western fly wide body around the world. Southern the only way to do that is get 777 and not 737. Pay is probably best at Kalitta but pilots seem unhappy there. Western is a startup with maybe a quick upgrade. Just curious to see what others have to say about these places.

Diesel8

There's always b*tching and moaning at all ACMI carriers, all airlines for that matter.

I would have to say Kalitta, more established than Western, seeking more avenues of income than Southern.

Kalitta has the better contract and is in the middle of negotiations to make it even better. Western is paid by the day and you would work for a crew leasing company with no union protections at all. Southern is losing multiple people on a daily basis - why? Because they treat people like sh*t!

More importantly you should be looking at other alternatives other than these three. What's wrong with Atlas, UPS, Fedex, the Legacies? Most everyone at those three carriers would certainly rather be at Atlas or better if they could.

Tailwinds!

gringo

It's 2015. With all the hiring going on at reputable carriers, if your choices were narrowed down to Old Man Connie, Suddern or Suddern 2.0, it might be time to perhaps consider a career change. At the very least entry into the HIMS program should be part of your consideration...

Srsly. Piano player in a ***** house would be a step up.

But if you don't know how to play the piano, go to Old Man Connie. At least he knows how to run a business. I mean, he's like a week or two from expiring, (and then ALL bets are off), but until then you've got a brighter future than with the Neffs or their idiot man-child successors at ASTAR 2.0, er, Suddern Air.

And yes, I can't believe I just said there was even a hint of a future with the Neffs.

Rama

Did a fairly long stint w/Connie as an A&P, FE and pilot. Lots of good and bad, seems worse now. Still probably the best gig of the three you asked about.

HVYMETALDRVR

Kalitta is the best of the 3.

727C47

K4 , hands down in that race

gasnhaul

I'll actually say it depends...

K4 is the best of the 3 for pay, etc. but...SA has shiny new 777s. If you are looking to go somewhere and then move on a 777 type sure as hell beats a 747 type any day.

Also, as has been mentioned, when Connie kicks the bucket ALL bets are off. SA has other backing financially and I hear they are planning on getting more airframes but don't quote me on that.

And yes, K4 is in negotiations for a new contract. Does that make it better? No...short answer is the company is being even harder to deal with because we "are in negotiations". My bet is no new contract for the foreseeable future so I wouldn't put that in as one of your reasons to choose K4.

But gotta agree with Gringo...if these 3 are the best hope you have you might want to seriously consider a different career. Or at least Atlas...

HercDriver130

of that list K4..aka ConnieWorld....

ASIANpounder13

How's the training over at k4 though?? I heard that they have a crazy washout rate compared to the other two places..

robthree

Not hiring into the 777 for the foreseeable future at 9S. Of course Florence can't foresee much past later on this afternoon, but still. Also if you're looking for a gig in Asia the 747 type and time is currently just as good as the 777 type and time.

A number of guys at 9S have gone on to WGA. Nobody has left WGA for 9S. Atlas has hired from both K4 and 9S. So as far as ACMI its pretty clear Atlas is on top, and 9S is on the bottom, but I'm not sure how I'd rank K4 vs WGA. Established scumbag vs startup scumbag: pick your poison.