GSS awarded AOC

[asmak]

The CAA finally gave its blessing to the Atlas puppet airline by granting it an AOC.Understand it is manned by ex BA pilots from the 400 fleet.. [email protected]

[partyreptile]

According to a -400 captain friend, the CAA have issued a type of waiver that allows those in Atlas Air employ, (pilots other than the Brits as GSS) to fly the G registered -400 that Atlas air has placed on the UK register. I would guess that allows all the American, and other non-EU types to operate a UK registered aircraft, so much for EU clout, and keeping those pesky continental cousins away from european flying, a wot?

[Dan Winterland]

The EUROPEAN AOC has been issued to a EUROPEAN air operator, using EUROPEAN registered aircraft and using EUROPEAN licensed pilots who required to have the right to work and live in EUROPE. GSS is 51% British owned (as required by UK law), 49% by Atlas. They have an ACMI contract with a EUROPEAN airline.

The pilots will come from several sources. Ex BA and Virgin 744 licenced pilots will be the majority. The ex Atlas pilots joining GSS are EUROPEAN pilots with EUROPEAN licences who have either transferred or were originally recruited to GSS and have been 'holding' with Atlas waiting for the new company to start. If there are any US licenced pilots, they will be allowed to fly to allow the operation to get underway.

So what is your objection? Is it because you see the formation of a EUROPEAN airline operating in EUROPE a threat to some cosy little operation where US licensed pilots could work overseas. I suspect you are ALPA members, as most of the USA Atlas protagonists seem to be. As such, you should be glad (as IFALPA members) that the priciples of fair union employment have been upheld. The formation of GSS is good news for the members of BALPA who have for so long campaigned for Atlas to stop unfailry employing foreign pilots in Europe.

How would you feel if a European cargo operator such as Cargolux or AFX started an operation in Atlanta? (Academic question, as they would not be allowed to!). GSS is good news for European pilots.

[partyreptile]

Always nice to hear from someone who is clue-free! Clearly you have not read the certificate of validation, issued by the CAA. It states that pilots with FAA certificates, working for Atlas Air Inc, are authorized to operate at pilots with all the authority that the FAA certificates grant them under US/FAA regulations while operating aircraft listed on schedule "A" of the certificate of validation, which lists the "G" registered aircraft which the US/FAA pilots will operate, nothing about EU licenses, nothing about right to live/work in the EU/UK. Looks like Atlas Air Inc. have bought themselves some regulatory relief from some UK ministry types. Capitalism at its finest.

[CR2]

Here we go again. . .Do a search on BA/US freighters.

[partyreptile]

Cargorat2; clearly you are uninformed as well, the letter of validation is dated feb 11, 2002. Suggest you go have a look before posting again.

[CR2]

Hello Partyreptile. I should have phrased that differently. That thread does give a background to the whole affair, for those who are interested.. .rgds

[Dan Winterland]

Not entirely clue free. The second paragraph of my earlier post pretty accurately describes the current situation.