Atlas Air Hiring
01-19-2018, 11:35 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2007
Position: Sr. VP of button pushing
Posts: 2,733
There isn't even a negotiation meeting scheduled this month.
The framework agreement that the company signed would have completed negotiations around the end of February. It broke the negotiations into three sections and assigned different sections of the contract to each time period. Shortly after starting the the second section which included scheduling the company said "We can't talk about scheduling without talking about compensation" which is in the the third section. The whole idea of the framework agreement was to lock some stuff down and then work from there. It's been a farce.
The framework agreement that the company signed would have completed negotiations around the end of February. It broke the negotiations into three sections and assigned different sections of the contract to each time period. Shortly after starting the the second section which included scheduling the company said "We can't talk about scheduling without talking about compensation" which is in the the third section. The whole idea of the framework agreement was to lock some stuff down and then work from there. It's been a farce.
Last edited by Twin Wasp; 01-19-2018 at 12:05 PM.
01-19-2018, 09:59 PM
Banned
Joined APC: Nov 2011
Posts: 47
The issues in different parts of the world come down to culture, so yes -- a general understanding of the local culture would be a big help. But the biggest thing is to be wary.
There is nothing magic about a heavy jet operation, other than they are closer to the limits a lot more often than a 737 shuttling around a legacy network. So on average it is not as forgiving (though every operation has its "bring your A game" days).
I have no doubt in my mind that a regional FO can come to Atlas and in time make an excellent Captain. But he/she needs to focused on preparing for it. Most of them are going to do a good job (and are a pleasure to fly with in the here and now). But this hiring cycle seems to have a larger minority of passive, uninterested new hires than existed in past cycles. Those are the ones that are going to have a very, very hard time. And, frankly, be dangerous. I don't think that this is just an Atlas phenomena.
When I look at the ab-initio airlines that you mention I see more established cultures, operating philosophies and route structures. Atlas is much more....dynamic. There is not a lot of hand holding in the day to day operation, to be diplomatic.
My advice, which may not be worth much, is to get around as you get near upgrade. Bid the weird lines that get out of your base when they show up. Bid reserve and bug scheduling to send you off the beaten path. Whatever works.
There is nothing magic about a heavy jet operation, other than they are closer to the limits a lot more often than a 737 shuttling around a legacy network. So on average it is not as forgiving (though every operation has its "bring your A game" days).
I have no doubt in my mind that a regional FO can come to Atlas and in time make an excellent Captain. But he/she needs to focused on preparing for it. Most of them are going to do a good job (and are a pleasure to fly with in the here and now). But this hiring cycle seems to have a larger minority of passive, uninterested new hires than existed in past cycles. Those are the ones that are going to have a very, very hard time. And, frankly, be dangerous. I don't think that this is just an Atlas phenomena.
When I look at the ab-initio airlines that you mention I see more established cultures, operating philosophies and route structures. Atlas is much more....dynamic. There is not a lot of hand holding in the day to day operation, to be diplomatic.
My advice, which may not be worth much, is to get around as you get near upgrade. Bid the weird lines that get out of your base when they show up. Bid reserve and bug scheduling to send you off the beaten path. Whatever works.
The entire industry is undergoing transformation as we know and will be challenged with similar circumstances. And yes, due to Atlas' more dynamic flying, it will require a careful mix of expertise, support and patience to pull through these difficult times. Things (both good or bad) typically happen in the correct order of time so need not worry about the things you have little or no control over.
Instead, focus more on the things that you control directly and that truly make a difference i.e. working on your inadequacies towards becoming a better person/human being, a better professional (as it relates to your career) and being a better mentor. Chances are, there are more people who look up to you than you are aware of!!
Additionally, always remember that no one was born knowing everything (or born on the 74/76) and no one leaves this earth knowing everything. However, there will always be an abundance of opportunity to learn along the way so that's where a lot of focus needs to be placed...on learning aptitudes and opportunities.
Atlas will be just fine: the sky is not falling; the doors are not closing and yes, this too will come to past.
For those wanting to come here, do the same due diligence as you would with any other operator that you are genuinely interested in working for. I did and can report nothing but satisfaction with my decision to come here. Being in the industry for the past 32 years has taught me a lot and shown me plenty. Accordingly, Atlas has afforded me the opportunity to grow in that regard.
Always remember that life is an individual choice and it's entirely yours to make - not the next man's. Choose wisely and stay positive!!!
01-19-2018, 11:20 PM
Line Holder
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 83
No news on negotiations, they meet in Feb. No one holding their breath, apps still out.
01-20-2018, 12:50 AM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2016
Posts: 698
01-20-2018, 08:25 PM
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2007
Position: Sr. VP of button pushing
Posts: 2,733
There's a 3 year seat lock however it doesn't apply to upgrades. So a 76 F/O will be on the 76 for at least 3 years. If they take the upgrade on the 76 during that time the clock starts running again. A 74 F/O might get off the airframe a couple months early by bidding 76 Captain.
01-21-2018, 03:41 AM
Line Holder
Joined APC: Jul 2011
Position: A big one
Posts: 30
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