74world
A few facts.
1) N494MC was due to come to GSS as GGSSC, but Atlas could not get the necessary paperwork done in time for the deadline, so guess what, Atlas are now going to wet-lease to GSS for the time SSB is on a D check from the 13th July to 15th August.
2) Only TWO co-pilots chose to go back to AACS and they had family reasons for so doing.
3) BALPA has not tried to close GSS down from day one. Many years ago, BALPA agreed with BA that as long as there were six or less freighters, the work could be farmed out, but if there were more than six, then the work would have to come inhouse. BALPA was against EU work being done by non-EU registered aircraft crewed by Americans, whether it be Atlas or AACS, as was the government. Hence GSS was born with UK registered aircraft crewed by JAA licenced pilots to do the BA contract. I only wish that Italy would take the same stand with the Alitalia contract.
4) As for personalities, the former boss of AACS was well known as Dr NO. i.e. NO now what is the question?
As for GSS, ALL of the Management team are friendly, caring and above all honest. All the pilots in GSS seem happy and work well together. The only gripe is the rather poor pay which led to many pilots being very unhappy at the beginning of the year but that has now melted away.
5) Finally, the question of Active pilots in BA being able to bid into GSS. This I believe was agreed between BALPA, BA and GSS and will be on the next winter bidding preference. However, do not forget that they will not be on BA pay and conditions but those of GSS, so doubtful if any would want to come to GSS.
Regards,
thunderclap
"remember, pull to go up, pull even harder to go down!!!!"