We are in the process of evaluating our newest project, codename: TIA (This Is Africa).
We are looking at the numbers for converting our B747-4’s to a combi configuration and serving the African Continent. The B747-4 on a 9-10 hour mission will utilize the maximum weights of the aircraft and provide maximum profit.
This will still be classified as a Freighter Operation so we can utilize more of the Freighter Pilots. The aircraft will be fitted with approximately 100 seats but will be finalized after our study.
The scope clause at The CPG is now null and void so we will classify the operation as freighter class.
Firstly we are looking at 3-4 times per week, so some duty cycles will be extended somewhat especially for those over manned freighter bases that did not sign the PX agreement. We will look at daily flights when the route becomes profitable.
There is a possibility we will sell our B747-4’s to a third party and The CPG will wet lease that company to fly its African operation
When the route becomes profitable, a dedicated passenger and freighter operation will begin.
These duty cycles will begin out of Hong Kong and the over manned based pilots (that did not sign) will be doing the majority of the flights. Due to range requirements of the route an interim fuel stop will be required in the Emirates this extending your duty cycle.
We are seeking approval from the CAD for extending the flight duty period to 20 hours for a two-sector day. If this is not granted it will be a two pilot operation from Hong Kong to The Emirates and then onto Africa.
Recruitment is looking at hiring direct entry first officers/second officers on a base in the Emirates region. The pilots COS will be based on local terms and conditions. Previous heavy jet command candidates may qualify our accelerated first officer to command course. We are sure many candidates in the region will want to fly shiny heavy jets for The CPG on local conditions.
Recruitment is also evaluating certain bases in the African Region with local based pilots on local conditions, which will lower our cost and increase our bonuses.
We believe the African Continent can be very profitable but we have some limiting factors at this time i.e. landing rights in the Emirates region and beyond, crewing, our pilot scheduling system to name but a few.
Africa will happen
To My Bonus
The Management