Cyprus, Flag Of Convenience
 

A New company 'Air Universal' is starting now in Cyprus with 2 - 4 B747-200. Currently doing proving flights. This is an offshoot of a company in Jordan. The European (51%) ownership is on paper only. This company is Jordanian owned. All that is really okay but the problen arises as the crews are mostly from Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and a few Greeks. The FOM is Greek.
How will all these crews receive validations or JAA license?
Why did they never advertise for European crew members?
If a foreign (non European) national forms a European company at least they should be forced to hire European nationals if available.
The UK CAA is the processing authority for this new airline.
I hope they will have proper oversight.

Cyprus does issue AOC's. They come under the umbrella of the UK CAA.

JJ flyer, I take offence at the tone of your reply, check your history on the relationship between the UK and Cyprus, as nations, and read Wanderlusts post, it said
Now does that say they issued it???

And while we are on the subject,,
Please tell, what is wrong with the UK CAA, as far as I am aware they are one of the best in the world, you obviousy think not, justify your remark.

Wanderlust, I agree with you to a certain degree, but there is nothing wrong with flags of convience, the major problem is that they also tend to be used by people who consequently abuse the system badly...

Some countries are almost impossible to get an AOC in so you may be forced to use the method of flag of convenience so you can conduct your business..

I stand corrected on the issue of AOC and removed my post. However UK CAA certainly not one of the best in the world. There are far better run civil aviation departments in EU. I am pleased that I do not have to deal with UK CAA at all anymore.

We often hear about French and German arrogance, but what about us Brits? We really believe we're the best don't we. Let's face it, what can all those bloody foreigners teach us? Tell you what: we're not that brilliant. Granted, you need to live outside the island to realise that.

How do you justify Europeans working for airliners in Asia and the Middle East. You need to come out of your narrow mind thinking. Most European carriers discrminate against non-EU nationals, if Air Universal can do it right and provide the jobs then whats the problem?

They will probably work on validations, just like AAI has been doing for years. And i see nothing wrong in that.

There are a lot of Europeans working for companies around the world. However in most cases there is either a shortage of qualified nationals or something to that effect that forces a company to hire expats.

I wholeheartedly agree with WANDERLUST that Air Universal, should it become a EU carrier needs to hire EU citizens, if there are qualified individuals available before hiring non-nationals.

JJ

Air Universal requires experienced B747 Classic flight crew. There is a shortage of this breed in Europe and that is why AAI accepts all nationalities.

Fetch some good time on the whale and there is no reason they will not accept you. This is not discrimination, just a matter of demand and supply. Contacts are on their website, fire an application today!

Probably someone with little or no time on type causing the rucas here.
Hope the company makes it!

No, I do not need a job - got a good one now.
I have no problem with 'flags of conv.' My only problem with the operation is that they should offer jobs to EU nationals first. There are many available on the market. Not everyone wants to join Air Atlanta for whatever reason and therefore many B747 classic crews are still available.

Yes, there are many EU crews working overseas - but only when there are no qualified locals available.

The first responce to my initial post was a bit off. You presumed that I am English and that I infered that the UK CAA were the best.

I hope that in your occupation you do not come to so wrong conclusions. Under the JAA the authorities are more or less on a par with each other.

There was NO intent in my post to presume that one CAA or group of people are better than another. I guess that is the way your mind must work.

whats the age limit for Cyprus? is it 65 like Iceland?

Can't read, perhaps?
 

<<How will all these crews receive validations or JAA license?
Why did they never advertise for European crew members?>>

It would indeed appear that WANDERLUST has not been paying attention.

Oddly enough, Air Universal advertised on climbto350 for JAR licensed B747 crew in June, together with folks wanted, with JAR licenses, for maintenance and managment positions.

Live and learn, eh?:sad:

Air Universal, pax or freighter?

Its a pax charter operator. Their fleet consists of two B747-200s and two L1011s.

They seem to have operated a Tristar for about a year (reg. 9L-). Where does this company come from ? Did they have a Jordanian AOC before ?

They operate on the Sierra Leone AOC. The Jordanian AOC never came through due to domestic politics.

411
I understand that they will operate 4x 747 under the Cyprus AOC and leave the 1011's where they are.
As far as advertising the positions vacant, remember that climb350 is for paying members only and that not everyone subscribes to it.
If you are looking for Europeans in general then you would most likely advertise in Flight or in another aviation magazine if you are looking for specific nationals or use a company like Parc.
Regarding validations they are suposed to be issued on a Onetime deal for six months. Exceptions can be made but only for an extra six months for a maximum of one year.

I guess that explains ICAO and FAA licensed crews flying for years with Air Atlanta Icelandic.

Air Universal advertised on local newspapers for JAR licensed B747 crew sometime ago.


Regards

Pilot001

I believe you are based in Cyprus. Can you confirm Air Universal at Larnaca?