New US Cargo Carrier?

[DownIn3Green]

OK, let me get this straight: Cargo carriers in the USA are laying off in droves, and now there is a "progressive FAR 121 all cargo operation" with an "immediate need" for a "large number of B-727 crews current within 2 years".

So far sounds good.

But then the kicker: "Due to training costs all crewmembers currently on furlough from another airline must resign their recall rights".

So does anyone know who this airline is?

[legend11]

Just off the top of my head, it sounds like it mighy be Express.Net, or possibly even Kitty Hawk, although I would think that unlikely. My guess is that it may be related to EWW pulling the airline plug, and resorting to ACMI carriers to operate into and out of the DAY hub.

[DownIn3Green]

Legend,

Thanks for that. Any union issues involved that you know about, or would it be a "safe" place to work?

Assuming of course one could find out who this carrier is. (I've always been suspicious of "Confidential" or "...a dynamic FAR 121..." whatever.

If you have a job, offer it, and let the pilot world know.

Having said that, I've been in the position in the past to advertise for pilots, and even with "Those without these minimums please do not apply" and "no phone calls", I've still been overwhelmed by the adverts I've made.

Anyway, thanks for your input, as I tend to agree with you at this point. I think it may be Connie getting back into the game...via Kitty or otherwise...

[bpp1]

I believe it is Capital Cargo International Airlines out of southern Florida. They are taking over the Burlington aircraft formerly operated by Kitty Hawk.

[DownIn3Green]

Bp,

I hadn't thought of them. I've met some of their crews before and they seemed to be treated pretty well...Thanks.

[legend11]

bpp and Downie: I was just making a swag on who might be looking for 727 crews - I am not a pilot by trade, but did spend 12 years in flight ops management at Bax Global, which was pretty much an ACMI operation, until about 1998 or so. Consequently, I know of quite a few of the cargo operators. Capitol Air Cargo is a possibility, although I would think there has to a large contract out there for this kind of thing to happen. As for Connie, he is back with Kalitta Air, but is operating only 2 747's, as far as I know.

Always curious for more information.......

[legend11]

bpp- I just re read your post about Capital taking over KHA aircraft. That is new news if true! KHA had a long contract with Burlington, and I had thought that they were in a position to maintain that contract with Burlington, as well as operating their own hub in FWA. Have also heard a rumor that the ownes of Express.Net offered to buy Burlington, but that Pittson, the parent company, wanted too much money.

Keep the shiny side up and the oily side down!

[Montt]

KHA suffered a $44.6 million net loss in the third quarter on a a meager $21.2 in revenues. The company was to return to bankruptcy court on 19 December with a year-end liquidation a distinct possibility. Have not heard about the outcome of the hearing.

Capitol Cargo also suffered third quarter losses ($2.7 million on revenues of $7.4 million) but is poised for a turnaround after winning the wet lease contract from BAX formerly held by KHA.

Hope this can help as possible hints.

[legend11]

Did not know KHA losses were that high for the 3rd quarter - that has been kept pretty close to the vest, although I did know they had been in trouble since shortly after the Kalitta acquistion. When I left BAX, KHA operated the 727 freighter schedule, which amounted to 16-20 aircraft. If Capital has this contract, then I would suspect they will be looking for crews, and will also be acquiring more 727 freighters. Last I heard, they were operating about 8 aircraft, so the original question is starting to make a lot of sense now.

[bpp1]

Kitty Hawk has been profitable the last two quarters and the various cost cutting measures are definitely helping out. More money has been paid out to the creditors and bond holders. As for the bankruptcy, the word is all parties have accepted KHA's going forward plan on the 19th. The Post Office paid it's debt for canceling the W-Net, around $30 mil. Capital Cargo Int'l will be taking over the six KHA operated aircraft effective January 1. KHA has known this for some time and still was able to put forward a plan acceptable to all. I wish them luck as I do have friends and family there.

[Van Pelt338]

Rumor has it that the infamous Ned Walace of FLying Tigers / Polar Air Cargo is starting up another operation. Rumor has it he has solicited some loadmasters from various cargo ops and has accuired the Flying TIgers name from Fed Ex. As the WX man in KHV says, GOOOD Luck. All applying beware!!!

[GlueBall]

<a href="http://www.thebark.org/chat.htm" target="_blank">Latest Kitty Hawk Info</a> <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

[legend11]

Anyone know why the BAX contract is not being renewed? Is it solely rated to the financial problems or is there more involved?

[Hunter58]

727s???

Don't even touch it. This time they're definitely in the graveyard!

[Willit Run]

Connie,ie, Kalitta Air is operating 3, 747's and 2 727's at this time. the 4th 747 is reported to be working with MK.

Kitty Hawk is digging there own grave! I feel sorry for the guys and gals, but am still waiting my many thousands from when they destroyed the original Kalitta operation!

Merry Christmas to all!

[legend11]

Willit Run - for what it is worth, have a lot of fond memories of the old Kalitta, before KHA grabbed and ran, out of steam, finally......

[Spatcher]

Hey Legend11, you by chance former Legend Airline employee? Was myself, lost track of alot of people. Let me know. Thanks

[CR2]

I've seen N707CK in LUX operating for MK these last couple of weeks...

[legend11]

Spatcher -nope, not a former Legend employee - spent a lot of years in the freight industry for a large operation, and had the occasion to have a lot of contact with both Kalitta and KHA operations, so have a bit of interest in how things are shaking out in the freight industry.

[dadsflyin]

The Airline is, Capital Air Cargo. Just awarded US Mail, C Net.

[powderhound51]

I worked for Chrostopher at Kittyhawk/Skyfreighters many years ago and had to take them to court to get my last paycheck. DC-3s, Super 3 R4-D8s, Convair 440 days. My wife was 8 months pregnant and I had been furloughed twice. The last time they had called me back to work a bunch of "charters" off the books, contract rates. When they realized how much they owed me, they paid me for two more weeks of salary, then put me on the street again. They managed to put a couple of grand in their pockets and laugh at another "stupid pilot". Not nice people. And they were truly mystified when guys left without notice!!
But the pilots were good guys, and the mechanics excellent,...when management would buy parts. I am sorry to think of all those guys out on the street. ...Tej Raj, Bob Grimm,... <img src="confused.gif" border="0"> Isn't there something in the FARs about Financialy Sound and uh,...Moral Integrity? Oh yeah, Integrity only applies to pilots, not Management.

[legend11]

It is a shame, but common in airline management, it would seem. My experience as the customer managing a fleet of freighters on an ad hoc basis was usually pretty positive. Crews always had a can do attitude, and maintenance done at the hub was alwasy top notch, with few delays resulting from mechanical problems.