GSS contract with BA terminated
 

Atlas have just placed two -8Fs on ACMI with DHL. I presume these will be two of the ex GSS airframes.

It is two of the ex-GSS planes, but is not in addition to our current flying. It is replacing two -400's.

As I said nearly four months ago;

Does anyone know how many of the pilots and office staff have managed to find alternative employment? They would all be an asset to any company.

GSS contract with BA terminated
 

The Qatar operation saved all but 3 at Servisair STN

Just wanted to wish the majority of pilots and ground staff good luck for the future.

As for GSS, I really cannot see anyway of them gaining new work. I would like the many reasons why...but I think we all know.

Rgds.

GSS contract with BA terminated
 

FIGJAM is still in the office just in case so no there's no chance.

I am not in the industry but I have just read through this whole thread. I can only wish you all well.

At least one of the -8s is still coming to HKG. It has the white top and blue undersides of the BA scheme, but with all BA logos painted out. Can't see the reg.

N858GT (was SSF) has just the white over blue. Not sure what was done to the others.

Is the office still going at GSS and still looking for work or has the company completely closed down?

There are rumors of Brit's, with Atlas ID's, running around the UAL training facility getting typed in the B777?

I see Atlas has been coming in, 1 parked up on the cargo stand today.

GSS contract with BA terminated
 

The atlas is a charter from manston for ANA and Magma. I heard a rumour GSS were having something to do with a 777F ops into EMA!! Maybe that's what it's all about ?

GSS contract with BA terminated
 

That's ironic about Atlas & Magma as several years ago Magma approached GSS to put a Classic on their AOC and operate it for them. Fell through of course.

So any news of anything rising from the GSS ashes? I hear that the remaining skeleton crew has recently got thinner? They cant go on forever with no income.

Does anyone have an answer to my post number 165?

I think about 5-10 went to he Middle East,same sort of number to Norwegian.Lots haven't got anything yet and of course there were probably upwards of a third of the work force who will probably retire now.
The 747 is a fairly useless type rating and if you're also getting into you're 50's it's really quite hard to find a job.
The BA blokes account for another significant proportion and they of course all went back there.

I'm supposed to have disappeared but I thought a brief visit back from the grave was warranted just to update the interested.

Quite a large percentage went to the ME (mainly FO's and a handful of the newer captains). Nearly all the trainers and a number of Captains went to Norwegian longhaul, a few FO's went to Air Atlanta, one or two to China, I think a couple to Turkish and there are a handful on short term contracts with Cargolux which end soon.

A number of the over 60's went into training, some retired (lucky sods) and there are a handful still looking from what I have heard.

The BA guys numbered 9 or 10 out of 100 or so and they all went back to their old jobs.

The 747 is a nice aircraft but a dinosaur and consequently a useless rating in Europe. VS no longer recruit onto the 744 as it is gone in a couple of years, with the 787 arriving they can take their pick from the pissed off drivers from EK and others and BA just said no when asked if they would take the GSS guys. If you don't have a 777 rating, longhaul is now a closed door. No one will type rate you and there is no going back to shorthaul as no one will believe that you want to stop flying "heavies" and anyhow you are no longer current on the 737/A320/Sopwith camel or whatever.

China and the ME are out if you are over 50 and an FO. Those fortunate enough to have had continuous careers often expect everyone else in their 50's to be a senior captain and/or TRE and if you are not, it is assumed that you have screwed up somewhere along the line and you are usually ruled out of any selection.

It would be great if GSS were to restart but there is little hopeful news from that quarter.

Flying, a great job but a rotten industry unless you are born lucky.:ugh:

Right, back in me coffin, close lid, shut up and accept it, stop whining etc.

Zeddb,


Cheers for the update. Please check your PM for a question.

Good post and about it as far as GSS goes
 

Good post by Zeddb

I just started with GSS when they made me redundant but I would still have done it. Lovely company. Flew the 747 so that's ticked off :}
I personally don't think Atlas had any thoughts to start up GSS again. Just working out their way around tax costs through leasing their 777s through GSS.

The gulf airline that cannot be named has stopped hiring for now as they're getting all their Indian friends in straight onto the 777. But they will need 700 guys next year and the same the year after. EK will be shooting Monarch guys storming the gates but are actively hiring.

Zeddb was right about the 747, shame but hey ho!

Good luck all