FlyMe and GSS ...

[centerline]

There is a strong rumor of Flyme (Sweden) not doing well at all and even on the verge of going bankrupt.... They were supposed to start flying 747-400 pax (2 ex-ANA a/c on order) as they own 25% of GSS in the UK and can use their AOC. What's going to happen to this deal?.... And what's going to happen to GSS if they go tits up? Any idea?.... :hmm:

[classic crew]

As far as I am aware, FlyMe have only entered into an agreement to purchase 25% of RiverDon which owns 51% of GSS. The deal hasn't gone through yet.

Representitives of FlyMe were at Stansted on either Tuesday or Wednesday this week, presumably discussing their plans before signing anything.

The rumour amongst GSS pilots is that IF it goes ahead, it will probably be at the start of the winter schedule next year (October 07).

[Stingray]

In every company I have worked for until now there were these rumors about what we're gonna fly soon... I guess airlines make those rumors up to keep the pilots from leaving the company in uncertain times.
According to FlyMe's CEO they should reach profitability in 2007, and this seems even to be possible since other than FlyMe's and charters there are not many direct flights from Göteborg and Malmö to the major tourist destinations.

[24 Hour Clock]

I see that in Flight International GSS are recruiting for First Officers !! Could this be part of the expansion or do they have another cunning plan !! Perhaps a merger with "OASIS -HK" :D

[Excalaba]

Don't think a merger is on the cards. Fact - T/C's at GSS are so bad that almost all F/O's have jumped ship to the new start up "OASIS". And immediatltly get a 20k + pay rise and no UK Tax - If residing in HKG. Supose that is why the recent add in FI.

The main Prob at GSS is that the senior management is Ex BA - and employ the same dirty tatics that Main line BA are currentlty experienceing / cc strike action an all;

GSS are solely dependent on renewing a contract for BAWC ( Everyone Knows that):

Atlas - are predicating in the backgrounnd, becauce they know GSS is not a steady ship at present. After all ATLAS own all GSS 744F's .

So If you have seen the recent advert in FI (nice picture) forget it- pay is .../..../../- Do NOT BE BE FOOLED. Its not a nice company. Trust me.

EX-CALABA - get it./

[Stingray]

thanks man, good to know that...

[Captain Airclues]

Excalaba

Were you aware of the T's & C's before you joined? If so, then why did you accept the job and the training? I gather that you are planning to leave us in the near future. I assume that the 744 type rating was a great help in securing your new job? Presumably the increased salary will soon pay off the bond?

I wish you well in your new venture.

Dave

[Excalaba]

The 744 rating was at no use at all - But maybe my previous Airbus Experience was - I don't know!.

Today - dependends on what time zone your in !! was another blow for F/O;s at GSS. What can I say- gutted I suppose.

But too much time positioning, Deadheading/Poor pay/allowances, no union recognition and now no promation for at least five years - anyway thats history.

Call the trumpet-=---Last post - for me- I am out of here- It was once fun but not anymore. TTNN:sad:

[RAFAT]

Today - dependends on what time zone your in !! was another blow for F/O;s at GSS. What can I say- gutted I suppose.

In what way?

[24 Hour Clock]

It appears that GSS have got themselves into a bit of a mess, thats the reason for the ad in FI. First Officers are leaving like rats from a sinking ship and who can blame them - some of the worst pay & terms and conditions in the industry.

[mark one eyeball]

There is more to this story.
Not only are the F/O's hard done by but also the group of ex AACS crews who joined GSS on day one, particularly the Captains. These guys made the transition a very smooth one for GSS.
It was said to these guys prior to leaving AACS that they would continue with the same conditions they had at AACS, sadly these promises were not fulfilled. I suppose you can call this deception on the part of those responsible at GSS.
There is not so much loyalty these days at GSS and it continues to reduce.
I would not say GSS is a sinking ship more like a rudderless boat.
Does anyone know how many at GSS turned out for the latest interviews for Oasis, quite a few I hear.

[sootie]

This all makes extremely interesting reading, but I have to agree with an earlier comment - all new F/Os at GSS read the Terms and Conditions before joining the company but are still quite happy to sign. Then a few months down the line they begin to complain about the tough life they lead. It seems to me that no matter what airline some people may work for they are never happy. The aviation industry is full of rife and rumours and why speculate on the future of GSS until anything is actually set in stone? And perhaps it may make peoples jobs a little less miserable even if the F/Os do decide to leave, perhaps they could look back and appreciate the other things like 2-3 days off down route, the cheap shopping, seldom called out from standby and if it is a call out, usually it is pre-planned. Personally I would rather that than earn £100K plus but do 4-6 sector days, 5 to 6 days in a row, and minumum rest in between each one and called out on every standby

[5Y744]

Sootie = management?

[Dan Winterland]

This all makes extremely interesting reading, but I have to agree with an earlier comment - all new F/Os at GSS read the Terms and Conditions before joining the company but are still quite happy to sign.

It's all about market forces. I had a job offer from GSS in the dark days of post 9/11 and I would have taken it if nothing else came along. Something better did come along and thankfully I didn't have to take up what were even in those days pretty poor T+Cs working a schedule which wasn't very attractive. I'm certain I wouldn't be there now if I had accepted.

And it seems that things aren't much better these days. The pay has increased, but not by that much - it's still well below the going rate. The pilots are leaving because the job market is more in their favour and an operator who needs 744 rated pilots pays much much better - with good command prospects as well. Who can blame them!

GSS will have to pay the market rate or face the prospect losing the BAWC contract due to cancelled flights as a result of staff shortages.

[Dan Winterland]

OK - reality check

You and I know that most HKGs are very close to min rest, and it is absolutely knackering.



Is this to stop them attending OASIS interviews?

PS. What was the announcement?

[Captain Airclues]

PS. What was the announcement?

After advice from the lawyers, GSS will be allowing captains to remain in the LHS beyond 60. This is not good news for the F/O's and will possibly increase the exodus. It will also provide some logistical problems for the roster department as there are many 60+ guys in the RHS