Polar & Atlas Situation Update - Merging List? Hiring at Either?

[Heavy Set]

I have heard on these boards a lot of good things about Polar Air Cargo. Meanwhile, opinions/news about Atlas has not been so positive - especially anything regarding being based at Stansted, etc.

So, to clear up any confusion, can someone clarify what is (or what will be) happening between the Atlas and Polar pilot groups? Will they in fact be merging soon? What about hiring at either? I had heard that Atlas was hiring for its Stansted operation and that Polar might be adding more pilots in the new year - but does that mean that merging of seniority lists would stop any near-term hiring? Is hiring continuing at both at the moment?

Is it also true that both are hiring on to the 200 at the moment (no seats on the 400)? Lastly, does either Atlas or Polar have an Anchorage pilot base or are both basing pilots out of JFK primarily (beyond the new Stansted basing for Atlas)?

Kinda confusing situation with the two pilot groups... Thanks for any updated information.

 

[744]

The short answer is that no one knows. Atlas was supposed to be hiring 70ish early in the year, but that appears to be on hold. Pick your rumor, but it might be as simple as the fact that there has been some management turnover in scheduling and planning. Or perhaps something more is going on.

Polar is based in JFK. Atlas has domiciles in ANC, LAX, MIA, JFK, and the much talked about STN. Atlas ANC and MIA flying tends to actually start and end there, the other bases exist only on paper and in the minds of senior management.

The wheels are grinding slowly on the Atlas/Polar merger. It will be painful and messy, and that is all I have to say on that subject.

The only source of additional information is inside of the boardroom, and they are not talking.

 

[Whale Rider]

Yep Heavy Set,

As put by 744, That's pretty much the long and short of it. If there are any changes at Atlas or Polar. You'll probably know about it before we do.

Keep the Faith!!!!!

 

[Heavy Set]

Appreciate the update. Recently I heard a "Giant" call sign on a Polar 744 (out of MIA). What does that mean - is Atlas using Polar aircraft and vice versa? Are those Polar aircraft crewed by Atlas crews (maybe a MIA-based Atlas crew)?

Lastly, what's the setup on the upper deck of the 747-200/400 in terms of bunks, comfy seats, galley, etc.? Can you stretch out and relax on the longer flights if you are the relief crew?

 

[eatme]

What's with the Fedex name applied to one of Atlas' 747s near the nose of the aircraft?

 

[On Your Six]

Appreciate the update. Recently I heard a "Giant" call sign on a Polar 744 (out of MIA). What does that mean - is Atlas using Polar aircraft and vice versa? Are those Polar aircraft crewed by Atlas crews (maybe a MIA-based Atlas crew)?

Lastly, what's the setup on the upper deck of the 747-200/400 in terms of bunks, comfy seats, galley, etc.? Can you stretch out and relax on the longer flights if you are the relief crew?

I wondered about that too. I saw a Polar 747 but it used a "giant" callsign. What's the deal?

 

[Wankel7]

Based in England? That sounds like that could be alot of fun if your single. What does it cost to live over there?

Wankel

 

[On Your Six]

Based in England? That sounds like that could be alot of fun if your single. What does it cost to live over there?

Wankel

Are you serious? Have you ever been to England? It's very expensive and it rains all the time - nonstop for weeks. English people, despite the fact that we saved them from the Germans, don't really like us for many reasons - but recently the Iraq situation has further upset them and they blame all Americans for this. Bring a tooth brush and introduce it to them if you go there... Beyond that, England is great.

 

[I.P. Freley]

English people, despite the fact that we saved them from the Germans, don't really like us for many reasons.

Like, for instance, the "ugly Americans" who trot out nonsense like this. Americans are not known for their subtlety, their good behavior overseas, or for keeping their yaps shut about WWII.

 

[Wankel7]

Are you serious? Have you ever been to England? It's very expensive and it rains all the time - nonstop for weeks. English people, despite the fact that we saved them from the Germans, don't really like us for many reasons - but recently the Iraq situation has further upset them and they blame all Americans for this. Bring a tooth brush and introduce it to them if you go there... Beyond that, England is great.

Geez man, I was in London for a few days and loved it! Yeah, nine bucks for a pint of guinness was harsh but I loved it. I am single and ...would love the chance to do it. And I meet a swedish girl when I was there

Wankel

 

[Heavy Set]

Appreciate the update. Recently I heard a "Giant" call sign on a Polar 744 (out of MIA). What does that mean - is Atlas using Polar aircraft and vice versa? Are those Polar aircraft crewed by Atlas crews (maybe a MIA-based Atlas crew)?

Lastly, what's the setup on the upper deck of the 747-200/400 in terms of bunks, comfy seats, galley, etc.? Can you stretch out and relax on the longer flights if you are the relief crew?

Can anyone answer these questions?

Thanks

 

[B-atch]

Polar "TidBitts"

It is common nowadays to have a Polar bird fly a Giant trip and vice versa. In actuality, Atlas operates approx. 35% or more of Polar trips ( SYNERGY they call it). The issue was brought up during a recent grievance and the outcome did not favor the Polar MEC. According to the Arbitrator, in accordance with Atlas and Polar's CODE Share agreement, no part of the Polar contract was violated. So Atlas will continue to operate Polar flights ( exept the Narita flights, which MUST BE OPERATED EXCLUSIVELY BY POLAR)..

Upper deck arangements are quite different from Classics to 400's. The 400 has nicer bunks and the galleys are SPOTLESS, however sitting arrangements are quite crampt. Rememeber, these birds were designed and born to be freighters.. Crew member confort was not a priority...If you happen to get stuck DH-ing on a heavy crew flight, you might be facing a bulkhead for a few LOONG hrs.
The Classic has better seating arangement, specially the 300. Leg room is quite confortable and the galley is the same as the 400. If you don't mind the sloshy, milky water in the Igloo coolers, you'l feel right at home..All A/C are equipped with HOT galleys and YES we also have "flushing" toiletts....

I hope that I covered all you'r questions. If you would like to know more, feel free to PM me..

MERRY X-MAS!! TO ALL...

 

[SWABUM]

ooooopps.

 

[b747dogg]

200s and 300s have 3 bunks, 4 business class seats, galley, bathroom, parts box, and food box.

400s have two little rooms which each have a bunk, 4 business class seats, galley, bathroom, and I think they have the parts box and food box also.

The conditions are really nice, dead heading on a company aircraft is better than on a commercial airline. You get your own bed and can walk around in your underwear without getting dirty looks.

 

[rvsm410]

Just a side note

One reason they are slow to combine names as they are operating under 2 different certificates and 2 ops specs, Polar has gates oversear that Atlas does not have and vis-a-versa, its good for business. This is what I was told by an employee at HQ.

 

[Daveman]

I will continue to "keep the faith". Hope to be there someday.

 

[Daveman]

Hello.(Knock Knock Knock) Anyone there?

 

[Rhoid]

I will continue to "keep the faith". Hope to be there someday.

And maybe hope to "backdoor" your way into UPS after they buy Atlas/Polar.

 

[Daveman]

And maybe hope to "backdoor" your way into UPS after they buy Atlas/Polar.

Hope is a bad thing. It means that you are not what you want to be. It means that part of you is dead, if not all of you. It means that you entertain illusions. It's a sort of spiritual clap, I should say.
Henry Miller.

Sorry friend.

Edit: I never look at "Backdooring" as something positive.

 

[~~~^~~~]

What's with the Fedex name applied to one of Atlas' 747s near the nose of the aircraft?

A left over from the FedEx acquisition of Flying Tigers, now on lease to someone who flies 747's. That airplane might even be an old Seaboard bird. They were the first to operate a dedicated Cargo 747. My father flew it when it was new.

~~~^~~~