ASTAR Air Cargo Sets Deadline for ABX Air

[shooter]

Past, present and future?

I hear that ABX is currently purchasing 5 767-200’s from Air China and 10 more from American Airlines. Dasburg’s feeble offer of $7.75 needs to be increased to the $9-$10 range before ABX sells. It’s a desperate act from a desperate man to purchase ABX and trust the 20% of ABX that is owned by investor groups will think he is right about the future of ABX. ABX has a business plan that does not include DHL. The $64,000 question is: Will 2.5 years be enough to ramp up operations without DHL? Another thing to consider is that Red Mountain met with ABX to have a say in it’s operations last November, one month prior to Dasburg’s initial meeting with Hete to buy ABX. Red Mountain’s managing partner was a former partner of Goldman Sack’s, who ABX has hired to asses the company’s “true” value. Coincidence?

DHL recognizes it is in the throws of losing ABX as it’s main carrier unless it beefs up it’s ACMI profit percentage. So it throws some money into the smaller carrier, ASTAR, and tries to gain control ABX. DHL, making all the wise decisions as it has in the past regarding American operations, does not do it’s homework on Dasburg. Not realizing he was just an okay CFO and a disaster CEO. Northwest was plagued with labor problems and strikes while he was in charge and he left to go to Burger King which showed Dasburg the door after just 2 years of screwing up their already ailing company to save it from definite liquidation under his command. DHL, also not realizing that his poor actions and remedial handling of the interest to purchase ABX will further distance ABX from DHL contracts.

ABX and the BOD will gladly sell to ASTAR, but they will not give the company away. Customers are lined up to use ABX services and unless DHL increases it contract to match that ASTAR, ABX will gladly utilize future aircraft on more profitable business. Basic supply and demand: If ABX did not have the customers lined up, DHL would get the 767’s (like they want) and ABX would be grateful to have them flying. ASTAR knows it has outdated equipment that does not have the reliability or lower operating costs and knows it will not survive without attaching itself to the teat of mama DHL. ABX is a strong machine that does not need a teat, it provides for itself. It knows how to attract and service customers and continue to grow. Even if that growth morphs it into something other than it is now.

Then I see a repeat of the integration problems for DHL. They think they can do it, but needs to come back to ABX in order for it to work. But without securing work for ABX all the equipment s dedicated to others and DHL falls even farther down in the US market. UPS and FedEx are smiling all the way to the bank because all the past Airborne Express customers have now signed contracts with them. DHL becomes an even more rag-tag operator than they were before when they were in CVG. They continue to use the dumb-arse remote load planning system and all flights depart 5 hours late every morning. ASTAR employees seek self-help against Dasburg like Northwest employees did. I retire from aviation and smile every time I get a UPS delivery. Deutche Post shuts down US operations and uses UPS and FedEx to handle it’s international US freight. Okay maybe the last one was off, but the rest….oh yeah, ASTAR tries to sell itself off because it is in bankruptcy.

 

[Narco-leftseat]

Shooter,

You sound like a crying little girl. "Waahhh!!"...."God.....Please kill them !!"""...."Waaaah"

Why don't you wait until next week like the rest of us to see which direction ABX BOD take thier own future?

You probably did get one thing right though, Astar will go away,....when it is re-named DHL America.

Now apologize to your mother for throwing a tantrum, spank yourself, and go to bed.

 

[shooter]

Shooter,

You sound like a crying little girl. "Waahhh!!"...."God.....Please kill them !!"""...."Waaaah"

Why don't you wait until next week like the rest of us to see which direction ABX BOD take thier own future?

You probably did get one thing right though, Astar will go away,....when it is re-named DHL America.

Now apologize to your mother for throwing a tantrum, spank yourself, and go to bed.

wish in one hand and crap in the other....see which one fills up first narkee. I'll e sure to spank your wife for your tantrum. she like it like that.

 

[hvydriver]

I hear that ABX is currently purchasing 5 767-200’s from Air China and 10 more from American Airlines. Dasburg’s feeble offer of $7.75 needs to be increased to the $9-$10 range before ABX sells. It’s a desperate act from a desperate man to purchase ABX and trust the 20% of ABX that is owned by investor groups will think he is right about the future of ABX. ABX has a business plan that does not include DHL. The $64,000 question is: Will 2.5 years be enough to ramp up operations without DHL? Another thing to consider is that Red Mountain met with ABX to have a say in it’s operations last November, one month prior to Dasburg’s initial meeting with Hete to buy ABX. Red Mountain’s managing partner was a former partner of Goldman Sack’s, who ABX has hired to asses the company’s “true” value. Coincidence?

DHL recognizes it is in the throws of losing ABX as it’s main carrier unless it beefs up it’s ACMI profit percentage. So it throws some money into the smaller carrier, ASTAR, and tries to gain control ABX. DHL, making all the wise decisions as it has in the past regarding American operations, does not do it’s homework on Dasburg. Not realizing he was just an okay CFO and a disaster CEO. Northwest was plagued with labor problems and strikes while he was in charge and he left to go to Burger King which showed Dasburg the door after just 2 years of screwing up their already ailing company to save it from definite liquidation under his command. DHL, also not realizing that his poor actions and remedial handling of the interest to purchase ABX will further distance ABX from DHL contracts.

ABX and the BOD will gladly sell to ASTAR, but they will not give the company away. Customers are lined up to use ABX services and unless DHL increases it contract to match that ASTAR, ABX will gladly utilize future aircraft on more profitable business. Basic supply and demand: If ABX did not have the customers lined up, DHL would get the 767’s (like they want) and ABX would be grateful to have them flying. ASTAR knows it has outdated equipment that does not have the reliability or lower operating costs and knows it will not survive without attaching itself to the teat of mama DHL. ABX is a strong machine that does not need a teat, it provides for itself. It knows how to attract and service customers and continue to grow. Even if that growth morphs it into something other than it is now.

Then I see a repeat of the integration problems for DHL. They think they can do it, but needs to come back to ABX in order for it to work. But without securing work for ABX all the equipment s dedicated to others and DHL falls even farther down in the US market. UPS and FedEx are smiling all the way to the bank because all the past Airborne Express customers have now signed contracts with them. DHL becomes an even more rag-tag operator than they were before when they were in CVG. They continue to use the dumb-arse remote load planning system and all flights depart 5 hours late every morning. ASTAR employees seek self-help against Dasburg like Northwest employees did. I retire from aviation and smile every time I get a UPS delivery. Deutche Post shuts down US operations and uses UPS and FedEx to handle it’s international US freight. Okay maybe the last one was off, but the rest….oh yeah, ASTAR tries to sell itself off because it is in bankruptcy.

Geez Shooter,

I've been stayed quiet, 'cause from what I gather you'd be close to a _theoretical_ furlough if this merger goes through. That would suck, and I hope it doesn't happen to any of us. I figured you'd get it out of your system, but apparently not. It's amazing to me that everytime we try to make nice with ABX folks on boards, sooner or later, it gets down to _someone_ whining/unwarranted insults/revisionist history on what's actually been happening here the last 4 years. If you claim that your post isn't angry/insulting this time, I think you'd better seek some counseling. I'd put out our view of what actually has happened, (again) but I'm not going to do it, because I think we _all_need to put the pis*ing contests behind us, and focus on how to handle what the most realistic outcomes are for our 2 pilot groups. As in, what do we do if we merge, if we don't, will ABX generate enough revenue through outside charter, how big is the ANA deal going to get, etc. You know. Things that might help. Not divide. End of lecture.

 

[shooter]

Geez Shooter,

I've been stayed quiet, 'cause from what I gather you'd be close to a _theoretical_ furlough if this merger goes through. That would suck, and I hope it doesn't happen to any of us. I figured you'd get it out of your system, but apparently not. It's amazing to me that everytime we try to make nice with ABX folks on boards, sooner or later, it gets down to _someone_ whining/unwarranted insults/revisionist history on what's actually been happening here the last 4 years. If you claim that your post isn't angry/insulting this time, I think you'd better seek some counseling. I'd put out our view of what actually has happened, (again) but I'm not going to do it, because I think we _all_need to put the pis*ing contests behind us, and focus on how to handle what the most realistic outcomes are for our 2 pilot groups. As in, what do we do if we merge, if we don't, will ABX generate enough revenue through outside charter, how big is the ANA deal going to get, etc. You know. Things that might help. Not divide. End of lecture.

yeah, your right, I will be out on the street if this goes through. I thought about that and I am okay with it. So I figure, screw it. I hate ASTAR and think DHL is run by a bunch of idiots. I don't hate the workers of ASTAR, but your management. I would rather go work for someone else rather than them. I did not insult any worker, just the management. Then some grease-ball has been johnny come lately comes in and insults me and spews garbage about my mother. So, I have to take it out on his wife, if the loser can find a woman to put up with his loser butt. So, while I do not bite, I bite back. deal with it.

 

[AV8OR]

Shooter says..........
"ABX has a business plan that does not include DHL."

I agree. That's good. Yall run with that!

You don't need no stinkin' DHL. As a matter of fact, what you ought to do is send those same guys from 1224 who've gone over Brussels in the past, to go over there and really lettem' know where you stand.

Hey Joe, you payin' attention? This ole boy's got management puh'tential!

Playin chickin with the train. Guess we'll see how that works out.

 

[shooter]

Shooter says..........
"ABX has a business plan that does not include DHL."

I agree. That's good. Yall run with that!

You don't need no stinkin' DHL. As a matter of fact what ought to do is send those same guys from 1224 who've gone over Brussels in the past to go over there and really lettem' know where you stand.

Hey Joe, you payin' attention? This ole boy's got management puh'tential!

Playin chickin with the train. Guess we'll see how that works out.

and what is DHL's plan without ABX? buy more junk? 8's? 727's? Yep, better tell Dasburg you have puh'tential too, sport.

 

[AV8OR]

and what is DHL's plan without ABX? buy more junk? 8's? 727's? Yep, better tell Dasburg you have puh'tential too, sport.

Sport? Sport! You called me sport? Well....I never...

Anyway, I don't know what the plan is. You are the one predicting ABX king of the world and AStar and DHL's demise. Heck, you know all the answers, why don't you tell me what we're gonna buy? Right now all I know is who we're tryin to buy.

Dude I hope you're right. More power to ya!

You take care now.

 

[shooter]

Sport? Sport! You called me sport? Well....I never...

Anyway, I don't know what the plan is. You are the one predicting ABX king of the world and AStar and DHL's demise. Heck, you know all the answers, why don't you tell me what we're gonna buy? Right now all I know is who we're tryin to buy.

Dude I hope you're right. More power to ya!

You take care now.

ahhhh, now we get to the meat of my original post before one your own decided to throw insults my way.

I do not think ABX is king. I just think we are attractive to all prospects. DHL sees it and they want to buy it. As far as what you are going to buy....who knows what airline will be next. Your management is piss poor and your own union site states that. They can't come up with a business plan, a modern fleet etc. etc. so they try to buy one. If you do not see the danger in working for a group like that, I don't know what to say. ABX, it has a business plan. While they are far from the greatest team around, they know how to do their job. That IS what they get paid for right?

 

[hvydriver]

ahhhh, now we get to the meat of my original post before one your own decided to throw insults my way.

Hmm... so, someone none of us has seen before comes in and tells you to "apologize to your mother for throwing a tantrum, and go spank yourself" is a comment worthy of the rants thus far? I won't even go into the presumption that whoever that is is one of us.

>You guys need a thicker skin because I don’t know how to speak "puddie" cat<

Seems to me taking your own advice might be in order, Shooter. Good luck.

 

[shooter]

Hmm... so, someone none of us has seen before comes in and tells you to "apologize to your mother for throwing a tantrum, and go spank yourself" is a comment worthy of the rants thus far? I won't even go into the presumption that whoever that is is one of us.

>You guys need a thicker skin because I don’t know how to speak "puddie" cat<

Seems to me taking your own advice might be in order, Shooter. Good luck.

yeah, I still don't know how to speak it. Is that part of the initial over there or was it just that guy?

p.s. if it were not one of your own, why did you guys jump in on this thing between him and me? My response to him said NOTHING about ASTAR/ABX/DHL? (in my best church lady voice) presumption......hhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[AV8OR]

Can't speak for HVY, but, I was just responding to your prognostications not the post involving spanking.

We've all got jackasses. I figure they can fight their own battles on both sides.

 

[hvydriver]

yeah, I still don't know how to speak it. Is that part of the initial over there or was it just that guy?

p.s. if it were not one of your own, why did you guys jump in on this thing between him and me? My response to him said NOTHING about ASTAR/ABX/DHL? (in my best church lady voice) presumption......hhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Well if you'll look at what I responded to Shooter, you'll see it had nothing to do with whoever that person is, and everything to do with your DHL/Astar rants. No one likes to see their company trashed publically, repeatedly. (As an aside, about our webpage, we _are_ in negotiations, you know.) You normally put out informative/thought provoking posts. I was concerned that you were going over to the "Dark Side".

 

[shooter]

Can't speak for HVY, but, I was just responding to your prognostications not the post involving spanking.

We've all got jackasses. I figure they can fight their own battles on both sides.

you are right.

look, you guys need a modern fleet and ABX has one that DHL wants. I do not like that ABX will be on the streets because of it, but it's out of my control. I just posted some thoughts that would keep ABX flying as ABX. Chances are the ABX BOD will sell to ASTAR, but I feel $7.75 is too cheap of a price. DHL needs to jack that up more, then it's theirs. If they do not want to up the price, I think ABX has a business plan that will keep ABX around. Maybe not with DHL if they chose, but ABX can survive. If you guys have a problem with my stating that ABX can be a viable company without selling, I don't know what to say. If yo don't like that I don't like your management "leader" or DHL's team, I don't know what to say. Just pass me off like a crazy old guy that just keeps talking. But if you respond to me, well.....that just gives me fuel for my brain. It tickles:laugh:

This is a forum, and NOT ASTAR/DHL/ABX's web site. So if you don't like what I have to say, don't read the forum. Do you really think what I say has any bearing on the sale of ABX? And yes, I come across a little rough, but I have the best intentions for all workers involed in my heart. Talk about my mama....:angryfire

hehehe, just kidding. It was a slam at me and you have to admit that. I was just defending my turf. Nothing personal against you guys.

 

[shooter]

Well if you'll look at what I responded to Shooter, you'll see it had nothing to do with whoever that person is, and everything to do with your DHL/Astar rants. No one likes to see their company trashed publically, repeatedly. (As an aside, about our webpage, we _are_ in negotiations, you know.) You normally put out informative/thought provoking posts. I was concerned that you were going over to the "Dark Side".

I understand, TRUST me! I hope you could be empathetic and put yourself in the other shoes as well.

 

[AV8OR]

No harm, no foul here! Mazel. Good Tings.

 

[hvydriver]

I understand, TRUST me! I hope you could be empathetic and put yourself in the other shoes as well.

I am, and I do. I've got buddies at ABX. I don't know which way would be better, going it alone, or merging for you guys. Whichever would result in the least blood spilled is the best by me.

 

[DC-9er]

dx is dispatch, right?

 

[GoABX]

$7.75 is undeniably skimpy on a relative and historical basis. So if Hete is interested he needs to counter high and negoatiate with Daz. Had the Astar opener been at a 25-50% premium it would have gotten the deal and probably been cheaper. So ironically John used the Airborne negotiating manual and it will cost him more in the end.

ABX was never supposed to exist for any period of time and certainly was not supposed to be viable. As evidenced by the disclosed deal that fell through and ABX having a 1.75% margin. Fu<kin' no one works for 2%. So Hete did his best with the turd Donaway left us. So DHL might not like it but it can't be surpised if we choose to rent jets at 15% instead of 2%.

The ANA deal might prove to be remarkably large. And there is more cooking than has been disclosed (MIA charter, Europe, more 76s, etc.) So the question is, "Has DHL quietly threatened ABX?"

Either DHL is part of the ANA deal or it is threatened by it.

The is no question over the past few years that ABX's flying and fleet has been hacked by DHL. Astar's has grown. They are the preferred carrier. It might not be fair, but . . . .it just is. So Daz's not so veiled threat is "Sell or DHL will cut you loose."

Hete's potential counter threat is 1) in a press release ask Daz "what do you mean by "unattractive future prospects"?", 2) Tell DHL either extend the ACMI and incentive % to the same as Astar's immediately or hold us in breach of contract and deliver you boxes on donkey, and 3) (Taking a play out of the Teamster playbook) Send Plantation an advanced copy of a press release that says, 'After 4 years of observing DHL business practices, it is apparent and obvious that FedEx and UPS were 100% correct when they asserted that DHL/ Deutsche Post, foreign entities, did and does have inappropriate direct control of a U.S. airline(s).'

Yes, it is a big bet, but really what does ABX have to lose? DHL has been cutting our fingers off one at a time. So tell them go ahead and cut off the whole hand, but before you do let me pull this little pin.

Astar is not the enemy. We are either already in bed with DHL or they are the enemy.

(If we counter, $9-10 says we are friends, $14-16 says we are fighting.)

 

[hvydriver]

>(If we counter, $9-10 says we are friends, $14-16 says we are fighting.)<

Yep, I'd say you are correct there!