Whats the scoop @ Airnet?

[wlacy]

Update:

Spoke to a different Starcheck Lear crew today, again in San Antone. This captain and first officer seemed more optimistic than the ones I spoke to yesterday, since they'd had a night to sleep on the news. I agree with those that believe its only a hiccup. and the attrition will come from those who cannot relocate easily, or do not wish to fly piston twins again ,or fly jets from a different seat.

 

[Way2Broke]

I just found out about this because I have been busy driving through Chicago twice in two days. That drive sucked, but not nearly as much as this!

Some question I have....

• How many will it be?
• What direction will the company head after reorganization?
• What is the cause of the layoff?
• How will this affect the companies that do charters for Airnet?

I offer very sincere sympathy to everyone that is hitting the street. I can obviously relate to your pain.

On a side note, you know things are bad when star check is putting pilots on the street. As I recall, they advertised that they have never had a layoff before.

Airnet has historically been a pretty darn good company, with good pilots. I've flown with alot of ex-star checkers and they have all been great. The type of flying leaves no choice, but to develop excellent skills.

Someone asked for advise about relocating on short notice to a new base. DO IT! Jobs are very scarce right now, trust me, I know. If you quit you might not be eligible for unemployment benefits, and even if you are it is not enough to support a family or for that matter yourself. I would hope that the pilot group can get together and not bid out of base unless your base is being closed. Think about the group, not yourself.

For those of you that will be looking for work, try to keep your heads up and be optimistic about the future. (VERY DIFFICULT) Future employers do not like to hear a interviewee complain about a old company. Try to focus on the good that came out of your experience while flying for them when asked about it (training, people you met, etc) There are some companies hiring still. It's important to keep yourself current, but attempt to not sell out the career in order to do so. (This can also be very difficult)

Good luck and I hope for a speedy recall.

 

[Way2Broke]

I suspect the reason for the short recall time is because they're planning on a lot of people leaving once they find out they're going to have to move or downgrade to the props.

Could the reason for the rebid be that they want people to quit so that the company does not have to pay out as much from unemployment insurance? A system wide re-bid seems very fishy.

 

[ljg]

Way2Broke,

Hear anything up around YIP that might be available these days? There are a few starcheckers who live in SE MI. Thanks.

 

[Way2Broke]

Alliance Air Charters was recently looking for a Shorts FO to be based in YIP. Kalitta Charters is rumored to be having a class in Nov or Dec on the Falcon and Lears. I've "heard" that Murray is looking for some Jetstream FOs, but that is second hand information. That is all I've got for YIP. In Ottawa Lake there is a listing on climbto350 for 135 pilots at a company called Aviation Network. It's about 45-50 minutes south of here. Their fax is 1(866)406-9195. Royal air freight is looking for 402 pilots in Waterford, MI.

I have no interest in staying anywhere near Detroit, unless it is very lucrative. I have left a couple of times lately and it made me realize how much I hate it here. It's odd, I am having culture shock when I visit places with a low crime rate. I wish I was kidding about that.

I have a pretty good finger on the pulse of what is out there in the way of "I need a job now", and "this is going to take 6 months to pan out" type jobs that are available. If you have any questions, ask and I will do what I can to answer. If I don't know I will point you to someone that does.

We are all in this together. But, what stinks is that alot of us are competing for the same jobs. One of the laid off USA Jet pilots was in the pool at Airnet. He was a Airnet refry, and a former instructor I believe. Fortunately, he is already seeking work outside of aviation in a place he wants to live. I know ALOT of people getting out right now. This whole thing makes me sick, because I love this career, and I hate to see it in shambles AGAIN. I think what they meant by Cyclical is that 1 out of every 15 years there is a glimmer of hope. That was about a year and half ago, this time. Seriously though, I give this downturn about 18-30 months. We need a overall economic recovery, stability in fuel prices, even if they are high, the election to be over, and for age 65 folks to start to retire (some are not staying all the way to 65). Of course, if a legacy carrier liquidates, hold on for one hell of a ride, and all bets are off. Who knows, maybe the government will continue to work towards socialism, and bail out the airlines again. I am apposed to that, but it would make the short term easier. Sorry this paragraph doesn't really help any of the people that lost their jobs, and it probably is the last thing that you guys want to here right now. I know, I was in the shock phase 2 months ago, like you.

About five years ago I heard the phrase, "Airlines hire until the furlough, and they furlough until they hire." Truer words have never been spoken.

 

[John Glenn]

Gotta love this industry.

Sorry to hear this news. I can relate. Not much to offer on this end but we are still doing MINIMAL hiring. If anyone wants to submit a resume I will be happy to keep a folder for you Airnet guys.

Please understand we are not in a hiring spree and "IF" there are openings I will contact you.

Please note Airnet at the bottom of your app. Good luck guys.

http://www.flightexpress.com/pilot_employment_application_form.htm

 

[hunt234]

Some question I have....
[*]How many will it be?
[*]What direction will the company head after reorganization?
[*]What is the cause of the layoff?
[*]How will this affect the companies that do charters for Airnet?

*They are predicting 50-55 furloughs
*The plan is to be mainly a small package express carrier first, and have bank work as secondary freight.
*Many pilots are sitting reserve and rarely flying, plus we are losing a net of 9 runs. According to management we have to be the "right size" to stay afloat.
*The last question is one I am not sure about.

 

[hunt234]

Could the reason for the rebid be that they want people to quit so that the company does not have to pay out as much from unemployment insurance? A system wide re-bid seems very fishy.

I would guess no, because they can take a voluntary furlough and still get unemployment (I think).

The reason that we have been given for the re-bid is because there will be a major flow back of people downgrading, they figured the only way to make it "fair" was for a 1 time, entire system re-bid.

The re-bid starts today. it's due tuesday. results posted wednesday. voluntary furlough notices due by thursday.

 

[rodgerdodger]

Get Out....

 

[Publishers]

There is a major change in the check business beyond what Airnet is involved with that includes companies like Bankair, the Fed system, etc all happening now.

 

[Masterplan]

Does Airnet have any bases in the San Fran Bay area?

 

[hunt234]

Does Airnet have any bases in the San Fran Bay area?

No. The only base in CA is a jet in Burbank.

 

[rubicon789]

Who would have though.... I feel for you guy's. And still miss AirNet everyday. I loved flying there. Good luck guy's.

 

[Denizen]

clever

Pretty clever of management if you look at it their way. Senior guys and gals won't want to move, which is good they cost more. Don't want to lay off outside of seniority so they wait for the senior guys to not take the bid and get themselves let go, bring in some guys at first year pay to fill the few gaps.
My question is what are they going to haul? Checks are dead and dying, airplanes are too small to move cargo except UPS small packages, and there is competition in that area, plus that is a five day a week job sometimes six. Their track record with express work hasn't been that stellar so what is the next move? Can't even sell off the fleet but the parts room will be worth some $$ to the investors.

 

[hunt234]

It' hard to say. I wonder if the new owners aren't putting on the pressure on management to cut costs.

I am leery about the express work. But all I can do is hope they know what the f they are doing. I do have the feeling that they may be banking on some senior people leaving.