Airport ATC Companies in the UK
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Catch 22
Yes, it is a real problem trying to break into larger contracts.
Catch 22 is a very real issue. On numerous occasions over the last 10 years we have won ATC and ATC Engineering tenders with a fully technically and commercially compliant bid at the lowest price, only to be told that the customer perceived our size to pose a 'risk' or that we don't have enough experience in the specialised field (This poses the question 'Why did you ask us to bid ?).
We have won £multi-million contracts with some customers having never provided similar services before and gone on to receive plaudits for our service levels. In most cases ATC and ATC engineering contracts are TUPE contracts (Transfer of Undertaking {Protection of Employment}) thus we simply take over the existing staff so the issue of experience is a red herring.
The MoD are the worst offenders of Catch 22 as there is no common policy. Some Contracts Branches recognise innovative companies and some have their heads firmly in the sand.
We will keep on trying.
Gisajob
Catch 22 is a very real issue. On numerous occasions over the last 10 years we have won ATC and ATC Engineering tenders with a fully technically and commercially compliant bid at the lowest price, only to be told that the customer perceived our size to pose a 'risk' or that we don't have enough experience in the specialised field (This poses the question 'Why did you ask us to bid ?).
We have won £multi-million contracts with some customers having never provided similar services before and gone on to receive plaudits for our service levels. In most cases ATC and ATC engineering contracts are TUPE contracts (Transfer of Undertaking {Protection of Employment}) thus we simply take over the existing staff so the issue of experience is a red herring.
The MoD are the worst offenders of Catch 22 as there is no common policy. Some Contracts Branches recognise innovative companies and some have their heads firmly in the sand.
We will keep on trying.
Gisajob
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only to be told that the customer perceived our size to pose a 'risk' or that we don't have enough experience in the specialised field (This poses the question 'Why did you ask us to bid ?).
Also, why should the cheapest bidder always win?
In most cases ATC and ATC engineering contracts are TUPE contracts (Transfer of Undertaking {Protection of Employment}) thus we simply take over the existing staff so the issue of experience is a red herring.
Thread Starter
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Gisajob, do Safeskys still have the contract for Swansea?
Thanks for all of the other info. Right now I'm looking to establish the full list of active ANS providers not those who have been bodyshopping, but it was interesting to see what you've been up to.
Cheers, NM
Thanks for all of the other info. Right now I'm looking to establish the full list of active ANS providers not those who have been bodyshopping, but it was interesting to see what you've been up to.
Cheers, NM
niknak
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I'm suprised Gisajob hasn't worked it out for himself!
13 + years and no permanant contracts to provide ATC, (aside from Swansea for a very short period of time), it speaks volumes of what people either think or know about you, whatever that may be.
Word within the industry is that Serco have almost got the Gib' renewal sewn up, even though NATS did put a bid in.
Stick to scaring birds, providing pens/coasters, and whatever else it is you do....
13 + years and no permanant contracts to provide ATC, (aside from Swansea for a very short period of time), it speaks volumes of what people either think or know about you, whatever that may be.
Word within the industry is that Serco have almost got the Gib' renewal sewn up, even though NATS did put a bid in.
Stick to scaring birds, providing pens/coasters, and whatever else it is you do....
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Thanks for the publicity, Niknak
Niknak,
I actually think that Safeskys has been very successful in its 13 + years and we have grown year on year. We have had many ATC contracts and we employ 44 airport staff (ATC Engineers, ATCOs and Bird Controllers). Perseverance will out and we await the award of our next ATC contract.
One point though, our bird control officers would not be impressed with your sneering comment about ‘scaring birds’ as it demonstrates your complete ignorance of the task. The bird controllers work closely with good ATCOs to protect aircrew. They ‘control’ the birds on airports using habitat management, removal of attractants, culling, risk assessments and counter measures, education to ignorant Niknaks, education to enlightened ATCOs and pilots and measures to disperse birds away from aircraft. Bird Controllers can also be very valuable as the first people to report FOD, security breaches, deers, rabbits and dogs on the airport. So a clever ATCO will use his bird controllers to make his airport safe. (Are you a clever ATCO Niknak ?)
Please send the pen back !!
Gisajob
I actually think that Safeskys has been very successful in its 13 + years and we have grown year on year. We have had many ATC contracts and we employ 44 airport staff (ATC Engineers, ATCOs and Bird Controllers). Perseverance will out and we await the award of our next ATC contract.
One point though, our bird control officers would not be impressed with your sneering comment about ‘scaring birds’ as it demonstrates your complete ignorance of the task. The bird controllers work closely with good ATCOs to protect aircrew. They ‘control’ the birds on airports using habitat management, removal of attractants, culling, risk assessments and counter measures, education to ignorant Niknaks, education to enlightened ATCOs and pilots and measures to disperse birds away from aircraft. Bird Controllers can also be very valuable as the first people to report FOD, security breaches, deers, rabbits and dogs on the airport. So a clever ATCO will use his bird controllers to make his airport safe. (Are you a clever ATCO Niknak ?)
Please send the pen back !!
Gisajob
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Jersey
Jersey ATC is done in-house under the States of Jersey, they also provide the channel island control zone service. Guernsey ATC is in house as well, they provide an approach service for themselves and Alderney mainly up to 2000' but up to 4000' 10nm diameter around Guernsey.
