Atlas underbids Evergreen for future dreamlifter operation

[B-HKD]

Rumor is that the contract comes due every couple of years and Atlas underbid Evergreen this time round. Atlas 747 dreamlifter ops. to start this summer.

I thought Evergreen owns the now 4 dreamlifters?

anybody with some info. on this?

[NZCHOOVERBOY]

Boeing owns them all. According to Wikipedia: "The LCF is not a Boeing production model and will not be sold to any customers or see any airliner operation, and will be for Boeing's exclusive use.

[WhaleDriver]

Rumor is that the contract comes due every couple of years and Atlas underbid Evergreen this time round. Atlas 747 dreamlifter ops. to start this summer.

Interesting that you assume it was underbid by Atlas. MANY factors involved, like Del Smiths age, the financial stability of Evergreen, the fact that Boeing is in a bind with the -8's being late. That's just the things we see on the surface, no telling what could be going on behind the scenes at Evergreen that made this happen, if it is indeed, true.

[Zoner]

Evergreen has been underbid on the LCF contract. It has not been announced by whom, only that we have been underbid. As WhaleDriver said many factors were involved but the big one usually is money. It is interesting to note that Evergreen was the only subcontractor on the 787 program to be up and running on time and staying on time for the last three years. We are being told that our performance was exemplary and did not contribute to losing the contract.

[sidman]

I don't think it has anything to do with Smiths age..There are alot of things going on and we will see what the real reason is in the next few months. I hear Smith is going to chat with Boeing in the coming weeks. And in 5 years the contract is up for review again.

[Po Boy]

Atlas underbid Evergreen, you got to be kidding

I think Atlas' overhead and crew costs are way more than Evergreen's, I believe it might have something to do with the -8's

There is still no official announcement yet, so it is still only a rumour

[GG747]

I really can't believe ATLAS or anyone else underbid Evergreen. Evergreen's costs are lower than most cargo operators. I think the real reasons could be complicated and most likely are tied to the B747-8.

[WhaleDriver]

I hear Smith is going to chat with Boeing in the coming weeks.

If I were Boeing and Del showed up, my first question would be " And Mr. Smith, just how many $100 Million airplanes have you bought from us and how many -8's can we sign you up for?"

[Deltabravowhiskey]

If I were Boeing and Del showed up, my first question would be " And Mr. Smith, just how many $100 Million airplanes have you bought from us and how many -8's can we sign you up for?"

Not likely to be the case but don't think for a second that Boeing does not appreciate the 24 orders on the books worth $7.8 Billion in new aircraft.

Privately held companies can't offer the stability and resources those companies like Atlas can. Atlas has a crew force rated and trained on the -400/-8 ready to go. Integrating (4) more -400s to the Atlas operation under a "CMI" contract in the greater scheme of things actually reduces the operating costs of Atlas thru greater economies of scale.

What it comes down to is that Atlas can staff a -400 for about the same price as staffing a corporate G-IV.

[shittykitty]

there's a big difference in ordering airplanes and paying for them. Evergreen has its problems but we have never went into bankruptcy and stiffed all our creditors. that's not to say we don't stiff our ventures, i'm sure we do.
when was it that Atlas got out of bankruptcy? i heard atlas owes Boeing a ton of money and this contract is part of the pay off

[WhaleDriver]

Integrating (4) more -400s to the Atlas operation under a "CMI" contract in the greater scheme of things actually reduces the operating costs of Atlas thru greater economies of scale.

This applies if Atlas can convince Boeing to drop the requirement for dedicated crews. You are correct, if the crew can climb down from a -400 at CHS and the next day fly the LCF.

[Zoner]

Dedicated crews are the tip of the problem. Boeing wants true 24 hour reserve crews so they can do last minute scheduling. Trips are scheduled when the the product is ready and they usually don't know until the last minute. Unless Boeing backs off that requirement I doubt there is any way to integrate LCF flying with line flying.

[TimeOnTarget]

That we be perfect for Atlas

Atlas as usual is a last minute jump through hoops kind of operation. They will eat that up with a big spoon!!!

[Po Boy]

Any Evergreen guys here can tell me the normal schedule for the LCF's, how many are currently flying and what destinations?

[sidman]

There are 4 LCF's PAE/NGO/CHS/TAR...They also tech stop in PIK and ANC from time to time.

[Po Boy]

Sidman............Thanks!

[Intruder]

Dedicated crews are the tip of the problem. Boeing wants true 24 hour reserve crews so they can do last minute scheduling. Trips are scheduled when the the product is ready and they usually don't know until the last minute. Unless Boeing backs off that requirement I doubt there is any way to integrate LCF flying with line flying.

I see no reason NOT to integrate them!

With a -400 qualified crew force of a sufficient size, the reserve requirement can be met just like any other reserves. We do it seasonally for FedEx and/or UPS contracts as well as routinely for normal ops.

I suspect Atlas has enough pilots living around PAE and CHS to sit "ready reserve" without breaking a sweat. International reserve is well known to many of us as well...

[GG747]

The Dreamlifter and the total operation is a whole new animal. If you guys get the Dreamlifter you will see what I am talking about. For now I will keep my mouth shut about the other aspects to getting this Giant moving.

More to the story than just having -400 pilots ready to fly! Good luck and I hope the learning curve will be fast.

[Po Boy]

Something big is happening, company just announced recalls and hiring!

[Uncle Wiggily]

Hi,

If there are any Atlas pilots reading this thread, can you please send me PM. I desperately need to ask a quick question. Don't worry, I'm not looking to get into some ridiculous discussion about contracts. I would sincerely appreciate it. Thanks!