Air Atlanta Icelandic

[Podunk]

Well, you can bet your gluteals they aren't paying Malaysian taxes. Since their government collapsed yesterday..... maybe they'll all get caught once the new Icelandic Finance Minister starts calling in the examiners.

Oz and US taxes world-wide income.... pretty sure the Cods are liable back home too.

[codliveroil]

Well, I hate to burst your bubble mate but it´s a FIA/FFF union requirement to pay tax in Iceland or in another country which has a tax agreement with Iceland. And this isn´t coming out of my ass like so many things which are posted here.

You gotta work out a new conspiracy plot...sorry

[znote6224w]

... and just to get the numbers correct: The 10% paycut is BS. For those on JED FB the cut is a bit under 40%. I wonder what the FIA boys/gals would say to that proposal.
Saudia, Flynas, Sama are looking for crews - 6 f/o have interviews next week - I guess we have hit the bottom of the barrel now.
Good luck

znote

[Podunk]

znote...

Did you guys lose the $1500/month as well? I would be out of KSA so fast it would spin their heads right out of their Gutra's !

& Codliveroil.... if you read my post... that's what I said, The Icelanders.... and any other FIA/FFF, are liable to pay taxes in Iceland / or tax agreement country....... whatever the FFF union agreement says, doesn't mean it's being done...

Lots of Icelanders have been, and still are bragging about avoiding tax while in Malaysia. That's not a conspiracy THEORY, "MATE". That's tax evasion in any country's books. For the individuals involved, I hope it gets sorted out, like the perdiem issue, with no-one going to jail.

& you wonder why the displaced ex-pats are Peeved??????

[znote6224w]

Yup its all gone - f/o and f/e are all on what is equivalent to loadmaster pay, if they want to see their families at all. That´s just over 200 per day incl per diem or about 55 - 60.000 per year if you are home 100 days per year.

By the way: What is the difference between Airborne Personnel (on Guernsey) and Mountain High (in UK, EU) and AAI (on The Rock). Who are we actually working for? All rosters, communication, travel, training e.t.c comes from Iceland. All communication regarding contracts comes from somebody by the glouriuos name of Mountain high consultants. Who are they consulting with or for? The money comes from Airborne Personnel PROVIDED they get some from AAI. Confused? Well, I am, but have never really thought about it untill now, where somebody is taking a leak in my mouth and just telling me it´s raining.

znote

[Atlanta-Driver]

Tax avoidance, being legal and evasion being illegal, which ever is being done by people and what the tax agreements are from country to country and what arrangement an individual has with their tax people etc are a personal matter. If someone chooses to evade taxes thats really their business. Still it is quite stupid to mouth off about evading taxes. Taxman these days is just an email away.

What interests me are the matters that concern every contractor, pay cuts, job security, being replaced due to union and political pressure, illegal dismissals, nepotism, discrimination at workplace, company taking advantage of the present situation around the world and so forth. I think the above could be applied to about 2 dozen companies around the world.

There are still jobs out there and many companies looking for experienced pilots. It is not all gloom and doom my friends.
Good beings for people getting interviews. I wish the best of luck for everyone and hope that good times come back soon

[Kato747]

So far, this thread has degenerated to new lows !

C'mon guys, you can't really hold the Icelandic crews responsible for displacing ex-patriot crews on Fixed Bases, whether it's in KUL or JED, or anywhere else for that matter. Individually, they did not move any of us out of our little niche in the empire. If "YOU" had been offered a fixed base position somewhere outside the EU, or even Iceland.. which offered a much lower cost of living (and MUCH better weather)... I doubt you would have been concerned that you were displacing your fellow colleagues....... whew !.... I almost erroneously used the word "employees".

Face it ! The ex-pat contractors were just that..... contractors employed for a fixed term with absolutely NO RIGHTS or recourse against the vagueries of AAI management. Whether the dismissals were illegal or not, It's a simple case of supply and demand and has nothing to do with the fact the ex-pat contractors have been the ones who kept the company afloat for many years. It's blatantlly political and collectively nepotistic in a macro kinda way.

It's an Icelandic company, flying Icelandic registered aircraft, with only Icelandic employees. Why do you think the ex-pats were never offered union representation? WE WERE NOT AAI EMPLOYEES !!!! That's the reason our contracts were issued by ACE, Airborne Personnel, and Direct..... to cover AAI's corporate ass. Arngrimmur wasn't stupid, he just didn't foresee how much a threat the FIA/FFF could, and did, become. They are now victims of their own success. The schizm between "THEM" and "US" will never be mended.

Some have mentioned "seniority" amongst the contractors ranks. I, for one, resemble that remark.... (pun intended).....but am merely saddened, not surprised, by the lack of reciprocity of loyalty and integrity from a company I had once been proud to work with. Many of the most professional aviators I have ever worked with have been summarilly sacked with NO regard for their long service and professionalism.

AAI is having serious problems paying for the state of the world economy (and that of Iceland) and also for some rather grievous past errors in basic management. They would be the first to admit there was, at least 'some' pressure from FIA/FFF to arrive at a solution, but even FIA/FFF didn't cause this latest fiasco.

Squabbling about who's paying taxes, and where, isn't going to help the situation. Past disagreements between AAI and the Icelandic tax authority have been largely resolved. The Icelander's salaries and perdiems are taxable as far as I have been led to believe, the perdiem "loop-hole" was closed (or at least tightened) several years ago. Another thread, in a different forum, even addresses the lack of work permits in Malaysia....c'mon fellas.....

What good can come from bitching about all of this? It's not going to get your job back..... consider this... would you want it back knowing what you know now?

hmmmmm.... oh yeah, mortgages/rent, food, clothing for the kids....... The 90% contract, coming soon, is a juicy technicolor fart in your face and shows how much AAI respects your abilities and expertise. There's no road back to the status quo.. It'll be years before you can recover the loss of benefits.

For those of you still on contract, I wish you well, no hard feelings....... For all the others, including myself, learn from this and strive not to repeat past mistakes ............Good luck with the mortgages and school fees !

Kato

[Paladini]

The 90% contract, coming soon, is a juicy technicolor fart in your face and shows how much AAI respects your abilities and expertise. There's no road back to the status quo.. It'll be years before you can recover the loss of benefits.


I think it's not just juicy, but a bit chunky as well.......

[mutt]

Did they resign the SV contract for New York?

Mutt

[doubleu-anker]

znote6224w

"That´s just over 200 per day incl per diem or about 55 - 60.000 per year if you are home 100 days per year."

You're talking Sterling right??

[Podunk]

Doubleu-anker-

AAI pays in USD$$$$ only.... when they pay on time.

ACMI contracts are negotiated and paid in USD. Excess profits, since the crew-rape, are being used to prop up the Icelandic Kroner and their failed banking system.

[Earl]

I remember after Sept 11th 2001, AAI lost a lot of contracts.
The few they had was Nigeria in LOS, which they would have never touched if things were better.
Still when there we all had a good time.
But somehow they managed to rotate the work around for even the ex pats.
Then they came back even stronger than before.
Hope this happens again and all of you are back to work soon.
Earl

[gubaclagan]

AAI JED/KUL stations

Can anybody tell me what's going on with these stations? Are they still operating, i.e., operations and maintenance departments still intact! Have heard they're shuffling personnel here and there. Survival for the fittest!?Left the company 10 months ago for some good reasons. Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaerum can make miracles!!

[Paladini]

Perhaps the VIATICUM or "last Rights" would be more appropriate.

The bases have been gutted of the productive crews (ex-pats) and replaced by Icelandics. Fair to say that not ALL of them are 3 weeks on, 3 weeks OFF. The end is near....... where's Helgi gonna live now?

The FAT lady is warming up her vocal cords..... Capt Usm(UU)aa can let his beard grow ........

sorry Janne, could not resist (UUSMAA)

[747JJ]

Atlanta

2 U's please

I left Atlanta end of September. Beard will keep growing, need the winter fur you see

All the best from Hellstinky to the Air Atlanta Alumni.

Janne

[Iver]

A300-600F Fleet

Just curious. Any details on life on the A300-600F at AAI?

Where are the primary bases? How many days off "likely" in a typical month? How are the crews - good/fun people? I have a mate who just got his notice elsewhere and he is looking for work on that aircraft - I realize AAI has mentioned it is not hiring at this time. Just interested in those details. And yes, I understand the pay is lousy - just want some more info. PMs welcome.

Cheers

[Paladini]

The following is provided for the benefit of the 100 or so, crewmembers recently "raped" by AAI.

Enjoy, and remember your days at AAI fondly.............. It remains a mystery however how Hannes could possibly think the quote from Hotel California is a compliment???????????


Subject: CEO Letter 2nd of February 2009
Date: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:32:12 -0000
From: "Hannes Hilmarsson" <[email protected]>
To: "Air Atlanta Everyone" <[email protected]>

Dear Colleagues;
I would like to give you a brief update of recent developments. In the beginning of December, I informed you about an Action Plan that we put in place, in order to protect jobs and survive the economy storm that is sweeping around the world. Following is an overview and update on the key
Focus Points in our Action Plan:

1. Increased Revenues / Utilization / Yields
Under the current circumstances, then our Project situation is solid. The
main activities in recent weeks are the following;
- We managed to extend the Wet Lease contract for TF-ATI and TF-ATJ (Boeing 47-300 passenger aircraft) with Saudia for 1 year, from 1st of January 2009 - 31 December 2009.
- We managed to extend the Wet Lease contract for TF-AMK until 15th of October, and we expect to start operating the Angola -China route by the
end of February / beginning of March.
- We took decision to exit Luxembourg, and close down all fixed cost there, but we evaluated ongoing operation there as a major risk in view of low yields and no monthly minimum guarantee. With the recent downturn in the Cargo market, then I believe this decision was 100% correct, although it is always controversial feeling to exit a long term customer relationship. However, we have enjoyed a very good relationship with Cargolux, and we hope to be back there one day.
- The contract for TF-ELE (Airbus 300-600)expired 31st December 2008, and we are in the process of returning the Aircraft to Maximus. It was known from the beginning that this contract would only be temporary while Maximus was building up their own AOC, but Air Atlanta managed this aircraft for a fixed management fee for Maximus. We enjoyed a very good cooperation with Maximus, and this aircraft proved to be very valuable for AAI as an backup Aircraft, for example during the 5 months period where TF-ELW was out of service in the beginning of 2008 due to the incident in Paris.
- We are in the process of returning TF-ARJ (Boeing 747-200 freighter)to owner, but This aircraft has been replaced with TF-AMD which was on contract in Luxembourg, and will operate on the MAS Kargo contract.
- We are in the process of repositioning TF-ARP (Boeing 747-200 freighter) which was on dry lease with Tesis in Russia, but this aircraft will replace TF-AMC (Boeing 747-200 freighter) on the Saudia contract by the end of February, but TF-AMC will most likely be scrapped.

With these developments, then we have 15 Aircraft in operation from 1st of February, including one backup aircraft (TF-ARH Boeing 747-200 freighter) that we will place in saudia. With the recent economy downturn, then this situation is actually very respectful, but we are seeing drastic cut in capacity all around us, with number of Airlines and competitors struggling and parking aircraft. With a very tight situation on hand, it is a key for us to be able to run a smooth operation for our customers during the next 6 months, at the same time we are actively trying to find new business where our key focus remains on the Boeing 747-400 aircraft. With the current economy Development, then we can expect our project situation to remain status quo for the coming months, but nevertheless, then we remain optimistic that the hard work of our sales department will bring us new contracts sooner than can be expected.

2. Cost Cutting and improved efficiency
We have implemented numerous cost saving measures in recent weeks, with the key objective to protect our cash flow. Main activities include:
- Reduce Staff at Head Office by 25%
- Revise Salary Contracts at Head Office
- Reduce/Cancel various Employee Benefits
- Reduce Office Space in Head Office (2nd floor out)
- Renegotiate various Administration cost
- Reduce Contract Crews
- Revise Salary Contracts of Contractors Boldface added for emphasis
- Agreement with FÍA on various exceptions from union contract to save cost. NOTE here: Icelandic crews have NOT had their pay cut as advertised to the rest of you !!!That is truly "Pulling Together"

In addition, then we have numerous ongoing projects in the company, in order to improve our efficiency. These efforts include engine review, restructuring of the Saudia line maintenance bases, restructuring of our spare part business and ongoing efforts in our Flight Operation department to maximize utilization.

3. Renegotation / Returns of Aircraft
Last, but not least, then we have entered into negotiations with few of our lessors, in order to reduce potential return cost of Aircraft due in 2009. In short, then we have met the understanding of majority of our lessors, and we are optimistic that we will complete renegotiation of TF-AMD, TF-AMC, TF-ATI and TF-ATJ in the coming weeks.

With all the measures we have p ut in place, then I remain optimistic that we will "weather the storm" and be able to survive these unusual circumstances. It is understood and respected that many of our decisions in recent weeks have been controversial and affected most of you in some way. However, then I feel most of you have understood the serious challenge we are up against, and the importance of the wide spread activities we have implemented in order to survive this difficult period, and protect the job of majority of our employees. With a respectful project outlook, solid customers and wide-spread cost saving efforts in place, then we have a case for turning things around during 2009; however the situation remains very tight for the coming weeks, and we simply can´t afford any slip ups or incidents in our operation.

I would also like to mention the human factor during all this turmoil. It has been very encouraging to see majority of our staff respond to the challenges and wide spread cost cutting measures in a positive way. It's during times like this where moral and team work is critical, and I have sensed a great team work and fighting spirits among AAI employees during the past few weeks. I am also grateful for the various feedback that I have received from all corners of the company, where people are stepping forward, shouldering additional responsibility and suggesting various improvements.

With so many of our colleagues leaving us under the circumstances, then I would like to conclude by quoting a colleague of ours that sent me a very encouraging farewell letter:

"They say Air Atlanta is like the Hotel California. You can check out, but you can never leave".

That pretty much sums it up. Let's keep up the fighting spirit, and thanks for your ongoing contribution and efforts.

Best Regards
HANNES
Hannes Hilmarsson
President & CEO
Hlíðasmári 3
201 Kópavogur
ICELAND
Tel: +3...
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

Please note that this e-mail and its attachments are intended for the named addressee only and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you have by coincidence or mistake or without specific authorization received this e-mail and its attachments we request that you notify us immediately that you have received them in error, uphold strict confidentiality and neither read, copy, nor otherwise make use of their content in any way.



I am hereby notifying AAI that I am still receiving emails 14 months after I left the company..... my email will remain a secret til you can find it yourself....

[joehunt]

I had my hopes up, on reading that "letter" of finding the word "seniority". Disappointed but not surprised of course it never materialized.

[3 Holer]

Very sad.

I left AAI in December 1999 and at that time Capt. Alan Nicholson was the fleet Captain of the B747 fleet.

Top days staying at his beloved George Hotel when doing simulator revals. Tony Bellis checking and eager to get back to Madrid !
Now that was a great base - but gotta say I enjoyed Gatwick flying down to south of Spain ports during the summer months.

Then there was Jeddah and the old Rose Village. Noddy Parsons and his bloody garden and Paul "Yarpee" Terone with his BBQs around the pool area. Lots of great people to work with - cabin crew, ops people and aircrew. No one took life very seriously back then and we were all reasonably happy with the conditions.

AAI was a great Company to work for in those days and it saddens me to read all the above on this thread.

I guess that's change - sometimes it's for the good and sometimes for the worse.

[747JJ]

Air Atlanta

Quite right 3 Holer.

I had some of the best times and the worst too while flying with Air Atlanta. Flew with some of the sharpest operators in the world and "Airshows" that should not have been in charge of a paddle boat in Hyde Park

While being based around the world I met a bunch of people that I am still in touch today, with a few I am in touch about every day, good friends they are. Air Atlanta had a lot of talent hired by the present chief pilot, people with good solid experience from flying the fjords of Norway in Beech 1900's to plowing Sweden in Jetstreams and Fokker 50's some from heavy jets as DE Captains with Delta and BA. Good FE's from LH, KLM, SAA, BA and Virgin. There is only one left with Air Atlanta now from the Nordics that I know of and many of the above have also left. Common denominator was that nobody really wanted to leave but... Now there's the but, the HR policy and the chubby little man with a Dart Vader mask in charge of rostering and bases that time was the biggest cause for people leaving. A great loss to Air Atlanta in talent, braindrain one could say. Naturally the economics hardly improve job security with the company.

In most parts I enjoyed the work and many of the destinations. I would think that 2004 and 2005 where the best times and it was from a contractor point of view downhill from there with less contracts and worse destinations.

Cheers from MOW