jetjock6 said: "If they have their own planes and want to use their own pilots then why do they need Atlas?"
Although a private charter, Sonair essentially operates as a scheduled carrier with this new Houston Express service they are proposing. They (an African company) are seeking to take a much greater role (read: more profits) in the operation. However, as an airline they are unable to gain certification to operate in the US (they cannot operate in the E.U. either).
So why Atlas? Very long history of operation of 747-400 aircraft. Established FAA aprroved maintenance and parts program. 747-400 scheduling and dispatch operations in place. American company with FAA licensed and 747-400 type rated pilots, loadmasters and mechanics on the property. In place 747-400 training program with 2 sims. No flight attendants so NO union to dictate how the F/A force is staffed/paid.
These 2 Sonair owned planes are N registered. What US company is going to properly maintain and operate these planes in accordance with US regs? Atlas, World, Kalitta, Evergreen, United, NWA......who else? United, NWA and World all have flight attendants (UNION) so that is a no go. Kalitta and Evergreen have a limited track record operating the -400 and are either companies interested or really able to take on this job?
As we see, World and Sonair are unable to agree so who is left?
As for Angolans in the cockpit, Atlas Air is free to hire whomever they please as long as they have a FAA license, right-to-work and meet the FAA minimum qualifications to operate the aircraft. New hires will be placed on the bottom of the Teamsters seniority pilot list by their date of hire. Oh yeah, better recall those furloughees first.
If you are going to hire a targeted group, you better be careful what you wish for because preferential hiring tends to have uninteneded consequences.
For the rest of the specifics I agree with Whaledriver.
AnotherCP