ABX Questions....

[jibe_ho!]

Hi All!!

Well, looking at a career change.... for all you freight dawgs, got some
quesitons....

What are the conditions like at ABX? How are the lines structured, etc...
Where are the bases? I know about the new one is Osaka, for the ANA
flying... a friend of mine got hired for that. That is why I am asking, of
course. The carrier I am at right now is just killing me (Eagle.) I have
5000+ hours SIC... ATP written... etc.. etc....

Just really trying to find out what it is like to fly for them.. either domestic
or international....

Thanks for the help!!

Jibe_ho!!!!

p.s... thanks for the earlier help on LH Cargo... I can get the legal right to work in Germany... (through my wife,) but my command of German is still pretty marginal... just looking at all my options, and this is a great place to find out more.... thanks!!

[whaledriver101]

ATP rating??

[ABX]

You called?

[jibe_ho!]

yes!!

Any info would be appreciated... the friend who got hired, was hired for the ANA flying... I was wondering if I did NOT end up with that, how things are in the rest of the company??
Thanks!!

Cheers!!

J_H!

[ABX]

Okay, okay, since you asked...

What are the conditions like at ABX?

40 degrees C here today, dang hot and dry. We had a party here for new years, so I had to mow the dust bowl that was formerly my manicured lawn.

Good luck with your enquiry.

(ABX = abreviation for Albury NSW, FYI.)

[Stormy Knight]

Conus flying at ABX is pretty good duty, altho the future is a little vague. Most US work is under ACMI to DHL, hub is ILN (Wilmington, OH), with a charter base in MIA (767 only- goes relatively senior). You are also aware of the Osaka base for ANA. Brief summary: Relations with company are strained. Pilot group are longtime Brotherhood of Teamsters. Good contract, but has been up for renewal for 2 years with no progress. DC9 aircraft are not favored by DHL due to inability to handle A containers, although the aircraft is more economical and reliable than the ASTAR 727's (IMHO). Nontheless, rumor is there will be a DC9 newhire class or two early 08. 2 additional 767s being dedicated to DHL system this year, and this aircraft is clearly the future of the operation. ABX holding company is in the act of acquiring Capital Air Cargo just to complicate things. Basically, it's a good gig, with some problems. Just hope it lasts till the end of the ride (like everyone else!) Hope this helps.

[jibe_ho!]

Thanks, Stormy....

Lots of good information, just have to decide what we are going to do; wait things out at my airline home that might get sold (shocked, shocked, I am!!) or jump ship to what is no doubt a better career, but not where I wanted to be.

Part of it is that I am married, so.. What are the lines like? Is it a week on/week off, or mixed flying, seniority dependent? What is the reserve system like; are you completely at their mercy? I know.. I'm a pain... lol. But if I am looking at a career change voluntarily, I really want to know what I am getting into.

Thanks again to all for the help!! Yes, even YOU, ABX (Aussie)... hahahaha

J-H

[GlueBall]

jibe_ho! . . . with over 5000 SIC hours and still no ATP ticket you may be handicapping yourself in the hiring process. Certainly you would be more competitive if you had this certificate; even better if you had a jet Type rating.