BeePee,
Your haste in making this post can almost be seen as using the demise of Aer Turas as further justification of your own failure with Cargo Lion.
While there is no doubt that the non European, flags of convenience, airlines make life very difficult for independent all-cargo operators this is not the only factor in success or failure.
AIA while on a non European AOC provides a high standard and safe operation at competitive costs. They certainly make liberal use of flight time and duty limitations but this is not the crucial factor in airlines success.
What does AIA have that Cargo Lion did not? In two words, "Effective Management". AIA also has a strong maintenance commitment. If your planes cannot fly you cannot keep contracts.
Selection of the right personnel in the right place is crucial. The joker unaffectionately referred to as the "Weasel" took Cargo Lion for a ride - but you selected him!! The previous maintenance manager was totally incompetent - but you selected him!!
Purchasing a DC10 at the top of the market without firm contracts, AND when all others are going down the 747 road; forgetting to put the butter on the bread by allowing the DC8 maintenance to deteriorate thereby losing contract after contract, are all examples of poor management, your management.
Still it was a good try and I give you credit for looking after the troops in the end. It is just a pity you did not see the light earlier, especially with the Weasel.
Bozzo
Last edited by Bozzo; 6th July 2003 at 15:30.