I'll try to answer a few as best I can.
How long has HIG been on the property?
Bayside bought us a little over 2 years ago. HIG owns Bayside. HIG is just a large supplier of money to support Bayside's investments. They (Bayside) also own Amerijet. It's kind of like AOL owning Time-Warner. HIG owns a lot of stuff, which in tun owns a lot of stuff. All they care about is how well all their stuff is making money, probably at shareholders meetings a few times a year. They don't count paper clips, pilots, aircraft, equipment, etc. They are bean counters interested in the bottom line of their companies.
How many pilots are at Gemini?
About 180. I'm not sure what that has to do with anything. We have 6 DC-10 and 4 MD-11 frieghters.
Was the contract in place when HIG came in?
Yes
Have you had any contract negotiation with HIG?
No. We have had a new contract agreement since, but negotiations are with Gemini Air Cargo management. HIG has nothing to do with the running of the company.
Did HIG make any change in top management?
No. Again HIG has nothing to do with managing the company. Bayside is a major shareholder and has members on the Board of Directors that Gemini Management answers to. Bayside would be the one to step in and take action if it was felt that Gemini's CEO was not managing the company well. I would guess that Bayside's management is responsible to HIG's Board.
Has HIG had any direct communications with the Union?
Don't know, I'm just a line pilot and don't get the union's mail. I highly doubt it, though. Again, HIG is a big money pot, they don't have anything to do with Gemini Operations.
Has there been any discernible change in you job good or bad?
Gemini management still runs the company with no short leashes that I know of. We would probably like to see Bayside make some changes in top level management so we could grow the company. Life on the line before the buyout and after the buyout has remained unchanged. Go to work, fly the jet, collect a paycheck. I've been here 10 years and the paycheck has always been there every two weeks, regardless of who owned us.
Can you give me the contact information for your MEC chairman or have him get in touch with me?
I don't see what that would accomplish. I'm sure the information is available through ALPA. You can PM me if you want, but you understand I wouldn't give that information out to a general question on a public information site. Our MEC has nothing to do with HIG or Bayside. I suspect that Flight Options will continue to answer to it's company management, and not the bankers.
My advice to you is to just relax and fly the jet.
This is not like merging two airlines where all your concerns would be valid. This is more like your mortgage company selling your home loan to another mortgage company. Change the name on your payment check and continue to enjoy living in your home.
I hope this helps a little.
Fly Safe
