Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day

Tuesday, May 24th is AMT ( Aircraft Maintenance Technician) Day. I would like to recognize all of the highly skilled certified Technicians that took an oath to hold in sacred trust the rights and privileges conferred upon them, knowing full well that the safety and lives of others are dependent upon their skills and judgment. They never knowingly subject others to risk that they would not be willing to assume themselves or those dear to them.

The First AMT was Charles E. Taylor, or "Charlie." He was the Wright Brothers Technician. Sadly, history almost forgot the contributions that Charlie made to aviation. When Orville and Wilbur needed an engine to power their Wright Glider, they were unable to find a manufacturer who could build one to their specifications. This is when they turned to Charlie. Having helped build and assemble a lot of the parts for the Wright Flyer, the Wrights asked Charlie if he could build the engine. The answer was, "Sure".

Starting from a solid block of metal and using basic tools such as a drill, lathe and some simple hand tools, Charlie built the first aircraft engine and all this from a rough drawing made on a napkin! The Wrights determined they needed an engine that could not weigh more than 180 pounds and had to deliver 8-9 horsepower. With the skill, knowledge and integrity Charlie possessed he provided the Wrights with a four-cylinder engine with four-inch stroke and four-inch bore weighing 150 ponds and delivering 13 horsepower on the brake. All this was done in only six weeks! This engine was more than capable of carrying the weight of 625 pounds of machines and man.

In December 1903, history was made. But history almost forgot the man who helped turn the Wright Glider into the Wright Flyer.

Like Charlie, thousands of skilled and professional men and women have followed in his footsteps. These men and women carry the burden of an incredible weight. That weight is aircraft safety! 

As a certified AMT myself, I take great pride in all of them for fixing it right the first time.

Joe Ferreira

Director, Teamsters Airline Division

Airline Division Week in Review -- January 25, 2020

UAL Maintenance Controllers Update

The UAL IBT Negotiating Committee and UAL have concluded the first of two scheduled negotiations sessions for January. With the non-economic issues cleared, the sole focus of the negotiations is the exchange of economic passes.

In a message to the membership, the negotiators reported that the Company started the session by passing their latest attempt at a comprehensive economic package. Although the Company made some improvements with regard to pay parity, the committee felt that there is clearly more work to be done.

With considerable differences between the two parties remaining, the parties searched for alternative solutions to bring the groups closer together. Executive session talks with the Mediator took place on Wednesday that paved the way for the Union’s response to the Company’s latest proposal.

Through a creative approach, the Union was able to draft an economic package that considerably lowers the total price of the contract. The Union officially pitched this idea to the Company at the table on Thursday morning. Another executive session took place Thursday afternoon with the Mediator to discuss the Company’s thoughts on the Union’s pass and what the next move will be for them.

Both parties have been satisfied with the assistance of the Mediator and are hopeful for continued progress. 

ExpressJet Negotiations Update

Negotiations resumed this week under the supervision of the National Mediation Board. 

With both the Union and the Company firmly committed to their respective positions as noted previously, the Mediator presented the parties with a “Mediator’s Supposal” that combined the positions of both parties. The parties agreed that the Supposal provided a starting point that would keep the parties at the negotiating table. 

The Company and the Union are scheduled to meet the week of March 23rd.

Teamsters, TMAP Honored for Helping Veterans and Military Families

Teamsters Airline Division representative Chris Moore, on behalf of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, has accepted the 2019 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award from Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services.

The honor recognizes the Teamster Union's leadership and outstanding commitment to addressing the well-being of veterans and military families.

Colonel David Sutherland (RET), Chairman of Dixon Center said, “President James Hoffa and the Teamsters Military Assistance Program (TMAP) have influenced labor unions and their contracted employers across the country on how to utilize internal resources to assist veterans and military families in a positive way. They have created a unique pathway for veterans and active military service members to participate in life-changing career pathways. Dixon Center proudly recognizes them for their ongoing efforts and leadership. The continued efforts are life-changing for our service members as they transition from military to civilian culture.”

Accepting the award (L to R): Colonel Duncan Milne (Dixon Center); Chris Moore (International Brotherhood of Teamsters); Colonel David Sutherland (Dixon Center); Rick Freedman (Freedman Foundation).

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

Following the identified outbreak of the new coronavirus in the Chinese city Wuhan, government authorities yesterday ordered the cancellation of all transportation out of the virus’ epicenter. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) also issued a notice to carriers directing them to cancel flights leaving the airport and reduce flights into it, resulting in “zero departure” of flights out of Wuhan International Airport (WUH).

(Source: Air Cargo World)

Iran’s acknowledgment that it shot down PS752 removes that doubt and painfully validates our 5.5 years of work on airspace risk awareness, but it also makes clear that this work was not enough to prevent a repeat tragedy. It is now evident that governments must play a more active role in preventing airlines from flying in conflict zones.

The Department of Transportation announced a proposed rule defining service animals as trained service dogs to assist individuals with disabilities. The rule would ban emotional support animals in airplane cabins. "The proposed rule will go a long way in ensuring a safer and healthier experience for everyone," A4A President and CEO Nicholas Calio said.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Having drawn the attention of all the transport and logistics specialists – and a slew of other less knowledgeable individuals many agree the end of the road is nearing for FedEx –as an independent company.

John Dietrich has succeeded William Flynn as chief executive of Atlas Air Worldwide. His predecessor, Flynn, will transition to chairman of the board. Meanwhile, Robert Agnew has become the board's lead independent director. The company said the leadership moves are the "culmination of a comprehensive succession process led by the board to ensure strong leadership continuity as the company continues to advance its strategic growth agenda." Dietrich previously served as executive vice president and COO at Atlas. He holds over 30 years of experience in aviation, and more than 20 years with Atlas Air.

Alaska Air CFO Brandon Pedersen will retire in March and will be succeeded by Shane Tackett, currently the airline's executive vice president of planning and strategy. Tackett has held multiple roles since joining Alaska in 2000, including managing e-commerce, strategy and labor union relations, a role he will continue to play as CFO.

Freighter operators moving cargo on intra-Americas routes have a new option as Airglades International Airport (AIA) targets their traffic.

The airport has announced plans for a “state-of-the-art logistics complex in southern Florida to dramatically reshape the efficient flow of perishable goods from Latin American producers to North American consumer markets”.

Airline Division Week in Review -- Christmas Day 2019

As we approach the end of 2019, we would like to extend to each of you and your families our very best wishes for the holiday season. Whether it is Christmas, Hannukah or many of the other holiday traditions, we wish each of you the very best.

We also ask that you think of your fellow brother and sister Teamsters who may be at work here and around the world and include them in your thoughts.

In observance of the holidays, the offices of the Airline Division will be closed this week and we will reopen for regular business on Monday, December 30th.

Airline Division Week in Review -- Thanksgiving 2019

Work Progressing Rapidly on Divisions Newest Local

Aided by the full support of General President Hoffa, Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne and Airline Division staff, the structure of IBT’s newest Local; 2750 is rapidly coming together.

Since the announcement last month, the International and Division have worked closely with Local 2750 Trustee Captain Bob Kirchner and the ExCo to secure office space and do the time consuming but much needed foundational work to get the offices and systems up and running as quickly as possible.

In a message to the membership this week, Trustee Kirchner said, “We also are within days of securing our office space for Local 2750 in downtown Cincinnati. We are in the final stages of negotiating a few clauses in the lease  Our IT guys and other union workers are ready to move in and start getting set up. The timetable right now has us up and running on a limited basis in December with a grand opening planned for sometime in January.” 

Speaking about the ongoing work, Kirchner said, “In addition to conducting the day to day business of representation, planning for upcoming negotiations with management and holding in-person crew meetings at various locations throughout the system, and a well-attended crew call this week, the ExCo feels that there are sufficient funds in place to adequately fund negotiations and SPC efforts between now and when we get our next collective bargaining agreement. As such, they have determined that it is time to end the crewmember assessment and they hope to conduct the vote electronically starting next week.”

“None of this would have been possible without the total and complete support of General President Hoffa and Division Director David Bourne,”  Kirchner continued. “From the moment we approached them with the request for our own Local and chart our own course; they have provided us support and assistance beyond our expectations. Setting up a Local is not an easy process. The underlying workload is massive and when you add those tasks to the day to day representational issues and contract negotiations; the risk of missing a minor detail that can have massive representational, legal and financial repercussions is tremendous.”

“We’re very pleased with the focus that the Atlas ExCo and Trustee Bob Kirchner have maintained during the transition,” said Division Director Captain David Bourne. “Standing a new Local up is not an easy process; however the dedication to the work and focus on their pilots has been outstanding and we are happy to provide the support that they need,” he concluded.

The next scheduled in-person meetings with crewmembers are scheduled for December 2nd and 3rd at the Courtyard Marriott in Miami, Florida.

Airline Industry News

UPS expects to offer expanded drone delivery to private homes within two years as demand, technology and regulation evolve, says Bala Ganesh, vice president of the company's advanced technology group. The company is focusing first on expanding its medical delivery program, which "is a really good use case because that is life-changing," he said.

Thanksgiving Message

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, may we all keep in our thoughts our brothers and sisters who are away from their families and friends here and around the world, in the air, at sea or on the ground. May we all be grateful for the time we all have together and our good blessings.

In honor of Thanksgiving, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th. We will reopen for regular business on Monday, December 2nd.

On behalf of everyone in the Airline Division, we extend to each of you and your families our very best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving.

Airline Division Week in Review -- November 12, 2019

Airline Division Director and Representatives attend Expo

Blake Silverstein-UAL-GSE Technician, Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore and International Representative Bob Fisher RCF staffed the booth at the ProJet Aviation and Education Career Expo. Missing is Allyn Allen, Assistant Director of the Airline Division.

Showcasing the varied career fields available in the aviation industry was the goal as Division representatives attended the ProJet Aviation Education and Career Expo in Leesburg VA on Friday, November 11th. Director David Bourne, Deputy Director Allynn Allen, International Representatives Bob Fisher and Chris Moore were joined by Local 210 Shop Steward Blake Silverstein for the event.

750 local high school students were in attendance and had the opportunity to speak with representatives at over 60 booths about careers in aviation and related fields. Law enforcement, Military, Technical Schools, Flight Schools and the Teamsters were among the participants. As the only Union at the event, the Teamsters brought a unique perspective having industry veterans who having been working to solve the industry Pilot and Mechanic shortages.

The students were fascinated by the array of parts at the Teamster table. The biggest hit was a Fan Blade from a GEnx-1b engine that powers the Boeing 787. The parts generated many questions, and these questions led to more in depth conversations about being a mechanic of pilot.

The Teamsters look forward to participation again next year as part of the outreach effort to bring young people into Aviation.

Blake Silverstein-UAL-GSE Technician, Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore and International Representative Bob Fisher RCF staffed the booth at the ProJet Aviation and Education Career Expo. Missing is Allyn Allen, Assistant Director of the Airline Division.

“These students are the future of aviation and they need to know about the careers that are available to them” said Capt. David Bourne. “Showing these students the pathway to a Pilot or Mechanics license is crucial if we are to fill the pipeline which has been all but depleted for both crafts.”

“Explaining to a student the return on investment on the educational dollar for getting an A & P license was eye opening for almost every student we spoke to,” said TAMC Chairman Chris Moore. “We are encouraged by the number of students we talked to that are interested in an Aviation Career.”

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

A Federal Aviation Administration official wrote a memo last month saying that Southwest Airlines Co. should ground 49 of its airliners because repairs were performed that didn’t meet legal standards.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Boeing Co. engineers redesigning software were nearly done on the grounded 737 Max in June when some pilots hopped into a simulator to test a few things. It didn’t go well.

Alaska Air Group announced three key leadership advancements to position Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air for future growth and success: Ben Minicucci, as president of Alaska, will be responsible for all commercial and operational duties including rollout and execution of the company's strategic plan; Gary Beck becomes Alaska's executive vice president and chief operating officer; and Joe Sprague returns to Air Group in the role of president of Horizon.

Airline Division Week in Review -- Veterans Day 2019

Today, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to honor the fallen. Originally known as Armistice Day, on this day WWI officially ended as Germany signed the Armistice with the Allies, ending what became referred to as “The war to end all wars.”

Known here as “Armistice Day” and by our European allies as “Remembrance Day,” the wearing of a single red poppy on the left lapel became a symbol of such remembrance.

It came simply enough from a poem, “In Flanders Fields.” Written by a  Canadian physician Lieutenant-ColonelJohn McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of fellow soldier Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres. Helmer, a close friend, was killed during the battle on May 2. McCrae performed the burial service himself, at which time he noted how poppies quickly grew around the graves of those who died at Ypres. The next day, he composed the poem while sitting in the back of an ambulance at an Advanced Dressing Station outside Ypres. According to legend, fellow soldiers retrieved the poem after McCrae, initially dissatisfied with his work, discarded it. "In Flanders Fields" was first published on December 8 of that year in the London magazine Punch.

It is one of the most quoted poems from the war. Its references to the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict. The poem and poppy are prominent Remembrance Day symbols throughout the Commonwealth of Nations, particularly in Canada, where "In Flanders Fields" is one of the nation's best-known literary works. (source: Wikipedia)

After the losses in both WWII and Korea, President Dwight Eisenhower changed the name of the day to “Veterans Day” in 1954 to honor of all who have been lost in war.

In remembrance of all who have fallen and are buried on distant shores and here, the offices of the Airline Division will be closed today. We will reopen for regular business tomorrow morning at 9am. We ask that each of you take a moment to remember those; family and friends, who have been lost, and speak their names aloud today lest they never be forgotten.

In Flanders Fields

John McCrae - 1872-1918

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
    That mark our place; and in the sky
    The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
    Loved and were loved, and now we lie
        In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: 
To you from failing hands we throw
    The torch; be yours to hold it high. 
    If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
        In Flanders fields.

Airline Division Week in Review -- October 26, 2019

Growing in Numbers, a new Local is created for Atlas Air Pilots  

At the request of the pilots at Atlas Air, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa and the Teamsters General Executive Board has approved the formation of Teamsters Local 2750, a newly created local union dedicated to the pilots.

There are about 2,000 pilots who will be members of the union which will be headquartered in Ohio.

“We’re excited about this great opportunity, which is part of our natural journey through unionism as we grow in numbers,” said Bob Kirchner, chairman of the pilots’ seven-member Executive Council and an Atlas Air pilot. “We have a great relationship with Local 1224 and we’re grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the local. It’s because we’ve come together and grown over the years that we have this opportunity to form Local 2750 and we look forward to what is to come.”

Atlas Air services customers in e-commerce, including Amazon and DHL, as well as the U.S. Military.

“As our negotiations with Atlas for a collective bargaining agreement continue, we expect to make progress with our motivated group of Local 2750 pilots. Over the coming weeks, we will keep the pilots group informed on developments with our local and more ways they can get involved in their union,” Kirchner said.

Teamsters and Airline Division ratify new contract for Air Canada employees

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters have ratified their newest ten-year collective bargaining agreement with Air Canada. The agreement covers over 700 customer service representatives, concierge and premium agents, reservation agents, air cargo workers and other workers at the company’s U.S. base of operations.

“I’m extremely proud of our members at Air Canada and very pleased with the outcome of this process,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Our membership was engaged, enthusiastic and united throughout collective bargaining, and they worked productively with the company to reach an agreement that everyone is happy with.”

“I’d like to thank the negotiating committee for all of their hard work on this agreement,” said Bob Fisher, Airline Division International Representative. “They were able to draft a contract that improves compensation and working conditions while also ensuring that the company will maintain the impeccable safety standards and customer service it has become known for as the flag carrier of Canada.”

The contract was negotiated and ratified in less than six months, a remarkably quick turnaround for a union contract in the aviation industry. The 10-year agreement includes a number of new benefits, including signing bonuses ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, guaranteed protection for medical rates and job security, annual raises and the elimination of black-out periods for vacation. The airline is the largest domestic and international passenger carrier in Canada.

Airline Division/TAMC participate in American Legion Summit

The American Legion held its annual Credentialing Summit on August 28th and 29th in Indianapolis Indiana.

Teamster Airline Division Representatives Paul Alves and Chris Moore participated as the only aviation labor representatives.

Paul Alves moderated the Aeronautics Best Practices Panel. The Panel consisted of representatives from the FAA, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Dan Akins, Flightpath Economics and TAMC Chairman Chris Moore. The discussion centered around efforts to help Separating Service Men and Women find a pathway to get their A&P License.

Dan Akin set the stage by explaining the Aircraft Maintenance Technician shortage and the panel discussed various pathways that will allow service members to acquire an A&P license. The Panel found that although the military has multiple avenues for active duty member to acquire the license many choose not to pursue it until they get to close to separation. The two best options other than an accredited school are meeting the time requirement of 30 months or getting into an apprenticeship program either while in or just after separation. Some have been in an Aviation Maintenance MOS and the panel discussed ways to capture that information for use towards the 30-month FAA requirement. Embry Riddle explained their apprenticeship program that will allow people to enter the MRO system as repairmen and the Teamsters Chris Moore described the development of a supplemental on-line program designed to get folks the education they need to combine with their work experience so they can successfully pass the FAA exam.

The on-line program is being developed for use with apprenticeship programs as well.

The Assistant Secretary of Defense sat in on the session and expressed his appreciation for the work being done for our behalf of service members who are separating from active service and moving to the private sector.

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

Indonesian investigators have concluded that a series of factors, primarily the design of the Boeing 737 MAX maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS) system, pilot training and maintenance practices,combined to cause the crash of Lion Air flight 610 a year ago.

Atlas Air won $287M in defense contracts, more than half of the total awarded to 12 US airlines. The contracts are to provide international long- and short-range charter services for the Department of Defense over the next year.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

UPS’ Flight Forward subsidiary has received the first FAA Part 134 Standard certification to use unmanned aircraft for package deliveries nationwide, allowing it to operate a “drone airline.”

UPS Chief Operating Officer Jim Barber will retire at the end of the year. Barber, who was named COO last year, has worked for UPS since 1985, starting as a delivery driver.

It’s legitimate to wonder whether FedEx is on the road to a break-up, whatever the scale of change to its corporate tree might be.

UPS will be increasing its hub operation in Louisville, Ky., with a "series of construction projects around Worldport that could reach $750 million" in the next 15 years and add 1,000 new jobs. Kentucky offered $40 million in development incentives for the construction initiative, which will begin in 2020 with a hangar that can accommodate two 747-8F aircraft, the largest in the UPS fleet, and may also encompass taxiway improvements, renovated office buildings, training facility expansions and new operations offices.

The growth in air cargo tonnage in the second quarter of the year was down 5% compared with the first quarter of 2019.

A shareholder lawsuit has been launched against FedEx, claiming “tens of millions of dollars in damages”. The claim highlights the accuracy of corporate earnings calls and the responsibility of executives to ensure transparency. 

Airline Division Week in Review -- Labor Day Edition

As Hurricane Dorian Approaches, IBT Teams Prepare to Assist

Just as with the devastation of Hurricane Maria brought the resources of the IBT to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico and the mainland, the approach of Hurricane Dorian has activated the Disaster Relief team in preparation for assisting with the impact of the storm.

In a message to the members of Local 769; President Josh Zivalich said the following:

“Teamsters Local 769 would like to ask all of our members and their families to be prepared for Hurricane Dorian. Make a plan for your families and be sure to have the necessary supplies on hand if you will be staying through the storm. Track the progress of the storm and listen to advisories from your local authorities. If you are in an evacuation or flood zone, follow designated evacuation routes and get to a safe place.”

Joint Council 75, Principal Officer Jim Schulring has requested I.B.T. Disaster Relief coordinator Roy Gillespie to spearhead the Disaster Recovery efforts. TLU 769 Business Agent David Renshaw will be assisting and helping to coordinate assets.

Discussing the potentials for the storms impact; Renshaw said, “we have the team members and assets ready to begin assessments as soon as the storm passes, with the ability to respond to needs in the Southeastern U.S. and if requested, we can do assessments and help coordinate relief in the Bahamas as well. The impact of this storm will be catastrophic in the Northern Bahamas, and unknown as yet here in Florida as well as along the Eastern Seaboard.”

Teamsters Local 769, along with the IBT Human Rights and Diversity Commission, has prepared the following Resource for Preparedness and Relief from Natural Disasters. You can open and print a copy from the link below.

https://teamsterslocal769.org/2019/08/30/prepare-for-hurricane-dorian/

TAMC Message to Members on Labor Day

In a message to their membership, the TAMC Board of Directors; Chris Moore, Bob Fisher and the Honorable John Goglia issued the following:

“Monday September 2nd is Labor Day and a day to celebrate all the hard-working men and women that are the backbone of our great country. Regardless of whether you belong to a Labor Union if you fix aircraft you are Labor. You come to work every day knowing that you hold people’s lives in your hands, and further, that mediocrity is not an option. You work in high stress situations and many times in extreme weather conditions, never forgetting your commitment to safety.

So, on Labor Day take a moment to reflect and Celebrate Labor.”

Thanks for all that you do!

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory

A coalition of 28 environmental and public-health groups is protesting FAA’s push to provide regulatory relief for the civil supersonic aircraft industry. In an Aug. 28 letter to FAA administrator Steve Dickson, the groups wrote that “supersonic aircraft would fuel the global climate crisis and threaten Americans with lasting damages from extreme air and noise pollution.”

The leading US developers of supersonic aircraft called on the Department of Transportation (DOT) Aug. 27 to modify its proposed rule on supersonic flight authorizations, arguing the proposal’s wording amounts to an effective prohibition on all supersonic flight.

FAA’s plan for how pilots will evaluate changes to the Boeing 737 MAX and new training materials signals a shift from a focus primarily on the carriers it regulates to one that accounts for variations in pilot experience around the world. The agency is finalizing a plan to bring in as many as 30 pilots from a variety of carriers to conduct MAX simulator sessions in the coming weeks.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

The real estate arm of US-based Aviation Facilities Company Management (AFCO) secured upwards of $36 million in financing for a new air cargo facility under construction at Baltimore International Airport (BWI

AFCO said the funds will finance the construction of a 200,000-square-foot air cargo facility and a 450,000-square-foot aircraft parking apron. Completion of these projects is expected by October 2019, the company said in a release.

Labor Day 2019

As we celebrate Labor Day 2019; let us all reflect on the sacrifices of the men and women who have come before us and through their individual and collective sacrifice; toil, tears…and in some cases, blood…forged a history of unity and strength that is organized labor.

Tomorrow, as we celebrate Labor Day let us each remember them and their sacrifice. Let us each resolve to tell the story and remind others; especially our youth, of the sacrifices that have given them so much. Let us resolve to always be the voices that lift and spread the word; that organized labor built America and that we will always be UNION STRONG and TEAMSTER PROUD.

In honor of our members and all American working men and women, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Monday, September 2nd. We will reopen for regular business on Wednesday, September 3rd. We wish each of you and your families a very Happy Labor Day.

Airline Division Week in Review -- July 27, 2019

PAMA Board Approves New Director Appointment

On July 9th the board of directors of PAMA (Professional Aviation Maintenance Association) approved the presidential appointment of a new director.

Chris Moore, who serves as the President of The Aviation Mechanics Coalition (TAMC) and will serve a two-year term. As founder of TAMC, Moore works tirelessly to advocate for aviation workplace safety and to promote the craft and the intrinsic value of aviation maintenance personnel.

Moore is an FAA-certificated mechanic with over 30 years airline experience. He is administering mechanic contracts, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating the Division’s License Protection Program. He is also deeply involved with industry coalitions seeking to find solutions to the current pilot and mechanic shortages.

“I could not be happier for Chris,” said Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne. “His focus on issues that impact not only aviation maintenance professionals, but our industry as a whole is incredible. Additionally, his work through the Teamsters Military Assistance Program, helps our nations troops transition from their military careers into the civilian sector by helping with professional credentialing assistance that converts their military training and licensing to civilian licensing and allows them to secure good paying jobs in the private sector. I congratulate PAMA on the outstanding choice and know Chris will serve with distinction,” he concluded.

Airline Industry News

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings is leasing a new facility in Erlanger, Ky., near Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. The facility is anticipated to launch in 2021, and job postings hint it will be a flight operation and dispatch center.

The chief executive of Boeing has said the manufacturer might consider slowing down or halting production of the 737 Max as the company reported a US$3.4 billion (£2.7 billion) loss due to the troubled aircraft model.

The pilots of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA); the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA); including the Independent Pilots Association (IPA); and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1224 today announced renewed efforts to achieve one level of safety for all-cargo pilots and issued collective support for legislation that would close this dangerous loophole and ensure that all airline pilots fly under the same safety standards. The Safe Skies Act, introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D- CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), would apply the same flight, duty, and rest rules to cargo flights as commercial airlines to prevent dangers posed by fatigued pilots.

Air and ocean forwarder Flexport filed a complaint against Western Global Airlines (WGA) in a U.S. District Court in New York, alleging that “service failures” led to the carrier’s inability to meet the contractual obligations of a three-year operational leasing agreement the two parties signed last year.

Preliminary results for June airport volumes worldwide are out, indicating continued market weakness across the globe, though this come as no surprise given continued tensions between China and the U.S. and looming Brexit concerns.

American Airlines’ cargo traffic fell 16.2% during the second quarter to 644 million cargo ton miles, or about 940 million freight tonne kilometers, leading to a 15.4% decline in cargo revenue, the company said this week during its earnings call.

Airline Division Week in Review -- July 12, 2019

Industry News Update

July 12, 2019

Governmental and Regulatory

A bipartisan group of House lawmakers assembled on the lawn of the US Capitol July 10 alongside union officials representing pilots, flight attendants and technicians to announce legislation that would renew stalled efforts to target “flag of convenience” carriers.

The US Commerce Committee voted along party lines to advance Steve Dickson’s nomination to head the FAA, setting the stage for a showdown on the Senate floor over whistleblower allegations that surfaced recently regarding his tenure as Delta Air Lines SVP-flight operations.

Four unions representing US aviation safety inspectors and mechanics wrote to Department of Transportation (DOT) secretary Elaine Chao urging the Department to implement three long-delayed Congressional directives intended to boost oversight of foreign repair stations that work on US aircraft.

US Department of State announced (24-Jun-2019) the US and UAE held their sixth economic policy dialogue on 20-Jun-2019, during which delegations from the countries discussed civil aviation matters. Both governments reaffirmed their support for the US-UAE air transport agreement (ATA) of 11-Mar-2012 and the understandings in the record of discussion between the governments of 11-May-2018.

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Atlas Air's William Flynn will retire from his role as CEO effective Jan. 1, 2020, and will become chairman of the board. The company also announced that current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Dietrich will succeed Flynn as CEO. Current Board Chairman Robert Agnew, who will assume the role as the Board's Lead Independent Director in January, praised Flynn's 13 years of extraordinary leadership and expressed confidence that Dietrich is uniquely suited to ensure the company's continued success in the future.

U.S. airlines are rediscovering the rest of the world after years of ceding market share to rivals and international partners on overseas flights.

FedEx Corporation has announced that it has filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) against FedEx.

David Neeleman’s new airline, tentatively named “Moxy”, is due to receive its first Airbus A220-300 from GECAS in April 2021. The new carrier is planning to launch operations in May 2021.

A man has been ordered to pay Hawaiian Airlines more than $172,000 due to disruptive behavior that forced a flight bound for South Korea to return to Honolulu. The traveler was also sentenced to six months in jail for interfering with flight attendants and crew members.

American Airlines announced plans to retire its McDonnell Douglas MD-80 airplanes on Sept. 4 as a part of the company's ongoing fleet renovation. The airline has 26 planes still in service.

Airline Division Week in Review -- June 26, 2019

US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced on Monday $57.1 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants for Texas airports, including $23.2 million for Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and $2.6 million for Dallas Love Field Airport. "With improved transportation infrastructure in place ... the airports and communities can build a better quality of life, increase safety, move people and freight faster, and create more jobs and opportunities," Chao said.

Amazon Air will begin flights to Anchorage International Airport (ANC) later this week, on June 27. According to a post ANC published on Twitter last week, Amazon Air will operate daily services to the airport utilizing its 767 freighter network.

Air Transport Services Group’s subsidiary carrier, ABX Air, has partnered with turboprop freighter operator Air Cargo Carriers under a program designed to allow the latter’s pilots to more easily enter ABX’s training class.

United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz talks about a variety of aviation topics, including financial stability, sustainability, cybersecurity and regulatory issues.

Shortly after FedEx announced it would not be renewing its express delivery contract with e-tail giant Amazon, Amazon signed an order for 15 additional narrowbody 737 freighters via lessor GECAS at the Paris Air Show today.

Salt Lake City's new airport set to open next year is a rarity as the first wholly new airport built in the US in over 20 years, writes Amanda Olson. Although the need for new construction is great, airports are usually redesigned instead of being rebuilt due to a wide range of challenges, including a lack of new land and the need to avoid congestion.

US Transportation Secretary announced a $65 million investment in Chicago's O'Hare Airport with part of it going to fund new runways. "The construction of runways will help Chicago maintain its status as one of the busiest in the world," Bailey Edwards of the Federal Aviation Administration said.

FedEx Corporation has announced that it has filed suit in U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia seeking to enjoin the U.S. Department of Commerce from enforcing prohibitions contained in the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) against FedEx.

A new generation of plane-sized autonomous delivery vehicles is capable of carrying hundreds of pounds for hundreds of miles. They’re called cargo drones. They are fast, more environmentally friendly, and could completely change the cargo industry.

Airline Division Week in Review — May 31, 2019

This Tuesday, tune into our livestream of the Aircraft Maintenance Outsourcing Summit!

On June 4, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore will be speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. about the importance of fighting outsourcing in the airline industry. Moore will be joining trade unionists, aviation industry stakeholders and consumer advocates – including activist Ralph Nader – for a discussion on why airline maintenance outsourcing threatens oversight and safety in a way that is hazardous for both workers and passengers.

The livestream will go from 9:00AM to 1:00PM on the Facebook pages for the Teamsters and the TAMC. For more information, please call the IBT Communications Department at (202) 624-6911 or e-mail mmcquaid@teamster.org.

Airline Division Week in Review — April 19, 2019

Airline Division Participates in SciFest SoCal

Students from all over Southern California participated in the first ever Clippers SoCal SciFest sponsored by USA Science and Engineering. While on a smaller scale than the Washington DC Festival there was no lack of enthusiasm on the part of the Students their Parents or the Exhibitors. The event attracted approximately 40,000 to the LA convention center over the weekend.

The Festival kicked off with Sneak Peak Friday, a day for school groups only. Thousands of students and teachers stopped by the Airline Division Exhibit to learn about careers in Aviation. The kids were able to watch a time lapsed video of a 777 Engine Change, interact with aircraft parts and test equipment, build Teamster model airplanes and speak one on one with Pilots and Mechanics. The students heard first hand what it takes to get a Pilot or Mechanics License and how studying Math and Science while in school will help them achieve that goal.

Saturday’s event was open to the public and drew even more students and families than originally anticipated. A new video loop including a 747 landing gear swing, tire and break changes, CFM-56 engine operation animation and 787 avionics was added, the students and parents were fascinated, many exclaiming “I had no idea”. At one point the entire booth turned into an Airplane Building Station with Teamster Pilots and Mechanics helping the kids build their airplanes while discussing careers, schooling requirements, cost of getting a license, wages and the huge demand now and into the future for Pilots and Mechanics.

On hand for the inaugural event were Airline Division Director and Deputy Director Captain David Bourne and Allynn Allen. AD MX Representatives and TAMC Board members Bob Fisher and Chris Moore and Atlas Air 747 Captains Daniel Wells and Anna Eivor Ivarsson.

“These events are so important as we build our outreach program," said Capt. David Bourne. "Students need the one on one conversations with folks who fly and fix aircraft in order to help them choose a career in Aviation.”

As part of our growing Teamsters Outreach program, Captain Bourne commissioned the Expo Booth which enhances our ability to demonstrate through video and other means the many Teamster aviation careers that exist.  We will be using the booth at events from coast to coast to bring more visibility to the Teamsters Airline Division, TAMC and the need for future Pilots and Mechanics.

(L to R) International Representative Bob Fisher, Airline Division Director Captain David Bourne, Assistant Division Director Allynn Allen, TAMC Chairman Chris Moore and Atlas Air 747 Captains Anna Eivor Ivarsson and Daniel Wells at the SciFest SoCal. 

Captain Ivarsson helping one of the hundreds of students who visited the booth assemble one of the handouts.

Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Negotiations Update

The Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Negotiating Committee met with the Company on April 2nd through 4th at Allegiant Headquarters. The Union and the Company made passes and worked on Articles 12 – (Training), 19- (Grievance Procedure), 20- (Board of Arbitration), 23- (Management Rights) and 24- (Labor-Management Cooperation).

A Tentative Agreement was reached on Article 12- (Training) as well a Protocol Agreement.    

The next negotiations meeting is scheduled for the week of May 14th.

Airline Industry News

FedEx chairman and CEO Fred Smith has joined with the CEOs of Atlas Air Worldwide and JetBlue Airways to strongly rebuke an open letter to US President Donald Trump from the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines claiming that Qatar Airways’ stake in Air Italy breaches the US-Qatar Open Skies agreement.

An FAA update of minimum training required for pilots to fly the Boeing 737 MAX will cover the aircraft’s maneuvering characteristics augmentation system (MCAS), but simulator sessions will not be needed, a draft of a new report reveals. 

FAA's proposed expansion of rules that aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) must follow to train mechanics will not please those in the industry who were hoping for more flexibility and less bureaucracy.

FAA is targeting late May or early June for approving Boeing’s proposed changes to the 737 MAX and issuing an airworthiness directive that would mandate the upgrades and clear the way for US MAX operations to resume, the agency told airline representatives April 12.

Airline Division Week in Review — February 23, 2019

UPS Mechanics and Related ratify agreement, now the highest paid in the industry 

UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees at UPS Air Cargo have voted to ratify their newest contract with the company. The contract, which becomes amendable on November 1, 2023, makes UPS Air Cargo mechanics the highest-paid air cargo mechanics in the country by a wide margin. 

“We knew if we stuck together and stayed committed to protecting the pay and benefits we’ve earned over decades of hard work, we’d do what many thought was impossible and win big for our families, the future of our company and our customers,” said Teamsters Local 2727 President Tim Boyle. “This contract does just that, along with raising standards throughout the aviation industry.” 

Some of the improvements in the contract include an immediate 17.72 percent pay increase, raises each year resulting in a 32.61 percent increase in pay from current rates by the end of the contract and the protection of an unparalleled health care package with no premiums. 

“I want to extend my congratulations to the Teamsters Local 2727 negotiating committee. This agreement is the culmination of over four years of long hours, hard work and dedication from them. Their focus on improving the existing agreement and quality of life for our UPS members is what enabled us to ratify this industry-leading contract,” said Captain David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. 

SWA Simulator Technicians Ratify Agreement 

Flight simulator technicians working for Southwest Airlines voted to ratify their contract with Teamsters Local 19. The collective bargaining agreement covering the 50 technicians will be in place for the next five years.  

“Congratulations to the members of our negotiating committee and all of our flight simulator technicians who worked hard to negotiate and ratify this contract,” IBT Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne said. “This contract is a perfect example of the things airline workers can accomplish by sticking together and working towards a common goal.”  

“I’m extremely pleased that we were able to negotiate and ratify a contract as great as this one more than two months prior to the amendable date,” Local 19 President Robert Clever said. “We look forward to continuing our productive and cooperative relationship with the company.”

The contract includes many improvements, such as a three percent year-over-year wage increase, an increase in longevity pay and a 2.5 percent early ratification bonus. The agreement will remain one of the best in the airline industry for flight simulator technicians.

IBT, UAL jointly request NMB Mediation

On Tuesday February 5th, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and United Airlines jointly requested that the National Mediation Board (NMB) provide assistance to mediate negotiations for an agreement covering maintenance controllers working at the company. The 90 maintenance controllers work in the carrier’s Chicago headquarters and coordinate maintenance and repairs for United Airlines’ aircraft fleet. 

“We’re looking forward to a productive conversation with the company and the NMB,” said Captain David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director. “We’re confident that all of us can work together to craft a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the value, expertise and professionalism that these workers bring to United Airlines.” 

Negotiations for Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Continues 

The IBT International Negotiating Team, Chairman Clacy Griswold, Co-Chair Bob Fisher, International Representatives, Paul Alves and Chris Moore, Business Agents Mike Moats (964), Tom Esposito (769), Gregg Vandagriff (104), Dave Elmore (986) along with rank and file committee members Collin Coffman, IWA, Brad Yokie, SFB and Floyd Espinoza, LAS, met at Allegiant Headquarters to begin direct negotiations with Allegiant management. Detailed work in advance by the committee before the first meeting with the Company led to a very productive start.

The Union was able to pass ten articles; Articles 5 (Hours of Service), 8 (Filling of Vacancies), 9 (Reduction in Force, Furlough and Recall), 10 (Leaves of Absence), 12 (Training), 13 (Safety and Health), 19 (Dispute Resolution and Grievance Procedure), 20 (System Board of Adjustment), 23 (Management Rights) and 24 (Labor Management Rights). 

In a message to the membership, the Committee reported that the meeting with the Company was positive and that the parties are in the process of setting up future dates. 

Keeping an Open Mind on Pilots’ Mental Health 

The deliberate crash of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in March 2015 has given the aviation industry a wakeup call to confront cockpit mental health head-on. Efforts within the air transport sector to overcome stigma attached to mental health problems are progressing. 

Other airlines and Unions worldwide have established Peer Support groups to assist pilots with mental health and wellness. These groups have achieved a 90% success rate by helping pilots with their issues and providing a plan for returning to work.  

The Teamsters Airline Division has formed a Steering Committee to create a Pilot Peer Assistance group for all our Union members. 

The initiative is called Crewmembers Helping Other Crewmembers Keep Safe (CHOCKS). CHOCKS is designed to assist pilots and their families across all Locals of the Airline Division by providing resources to help in their well-being.

The Peer Support efforts will focus on education and understanding the difference between being stressed- but functioning and stressed to break-down.

The CHOCKS peer support structure provides individuals a place to turn to in order to share their issues with trusted peers in as close to a non-threatening environment as possible; allowing for early intervention and a positive culture of speaking about mental health.

The interest is to ensure crews are not suffering distractions from “common troubles” of life, which might result in accidental - but potentially hazardous - slips during flight operations. To list few of the stressors or “common troubles” in life; Depression and Grief, Divorce, Chemical Dependency, Stress, Anxiety, Financial, Parenting, a Sick Child or Spouse, Suicide, Domestic Violence, Emotional, or Elder Care.

Since none of the peer support volunteers are professional counselors, CHOCKS is simply charged with providing resources to the problems our pilots undergo in order to provide a plan of action. Sometimes acting just as a confidential and active listener can help, but, if the circumstances merit further action, then we can suggest contacting the appropriate resource to help address the source of the stress. 

The steering committee is working diligently to develop the CHOCKS program and the needed resources. Committee members Roy Liggett, Local 1224 Human Factors Coordinator, Captain Janina Clark (Atlas Air), Captain Steven York (Southern Air), and Kathy Carl, Consultant (Atlas Air Flight Engineer – (Retired), have all recently attended American Airlines “Project Wingman” training for peer support volunteers in Dallas TX. Crewmembers will be notified of the status of this initiative as it evolves.  

Airline Division Representatives attend Aero Engines Americas Conference 

The AEA conference was held January 29th and 30th in Dallas. Attending for the Airline Division were Vinny Graziano, National Coordinator MX and Chris Moore Chairman, TAMC. The conference provided a candid look at what is going on in the Engine Overhaul MRO business.  

Opening remarks and state of the industry updates were presented by ICF Consultants and discussed the Flying Fleet and Engine Overview and Forecast as well as Mergers and Acquisitions and analysis of Aero Engine trends. 

Bloomberg Intelligence provided a macroeconomic outlook of the industry that included Global Markets, Analysis of Geopolitical issues, Fleet Demographics, Oil Prices, Financing and Investor Perspective.  

The industry outlook is still strong despite an increase in oil prices. Lower oil prices incentivize keeping older less fuel-efficient engines in service and increases the number of engines to be overhauled. Unfortunately, the lack of available skilled labor and parts are constraining capacity not just in North America but worldwide and although new technologies such as Virtual Training, 3D printing and AI Troubleshooting are helping to streamline the overhaul process the fact remains that there are just not enough skilled mechanics available to cover all of the work. 

Look for a more detailed report on this conference in the March 2019 TAMC newsletter. 

Airline Industry News 

Governmental and Regulatory 

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require all commercial aircraft operating in the US be retrofitted with secondary cockpit barriers to prevent terrorist attacks similar to 9/11. 

US carrier Kalitta Air has called for sanctions on the Dutch government, Schiphol and Stichting Airport Coordination Netherlands (ACNL), alleging its slots were “wrongfully withheld”. 

Two key US lawmakers overseeing federal transportation policy have introduced a bill that would keep the FAA fully funded during any future lapse in appropriations.

Airlines, Industry and Labor 

The Boeing 747 has been an iconic piece of the airline industry since its introduction in 1969, and still serves today, largely as a freighter for cargo carriers around the world. "There are other very capable aircraft on the market, but no other aircraft in production can match [the 747's] massive capacity, range and efficiency," said UPS freighter captain and program manager Doug Menish. 

As Amazon continues its meteoric rise into the e-commerce stratosphere, the company’s relationship with the well-established integrators, like FedEx, UPS and DHL, have been relatively cordial, as Amazon has long relied on the express companies’ vast networks of last-mile options to deliver goods in a timely fashion.

However, according to the latest annual Form 10-K statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), there has been a subtle, but crucial, addition in Amazon’s description of its competitors that may give pause to the likes of FedEx and UPS.  Under the section titled “Risk Factors,” Amazon describes how it faces “intense competition” from a long list of entities. This year, for the first time, the company includes “transportation and logistics services” on the list, suggesting that Amazon will be focusing more of its attention on supply chain logistics this year. 

Alaska Airlines' board of directors has elected John Ladner, an active pilot, as vice president of flight operations, effective March 1. Horizon Air's board appointed Brooke Vatheuer as senior vice president of operations and planning.

Airbus announced Feb. 14 it is terminating the Airbus A380 program in 2021, after Emirates cut back the last major order to just 14 A380s, instead of the 53 it had on firm order. Easyjet and Delta have confirmed they are in discussions with Italian state railway firm Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS) about a potential consortium bid to run a restructured Alitalia.

Airline Division Week in Review — February 9, 2019

UPS Mechanics and Related ratify agreement, now the highest paid in the industry

UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees at UPS Air Cargo have voted to ratify their newest contract with the company. The contract, which becomes amendable on November 1, 2023, makes UPS Air Cargo mechanics the highest-paid air cargo mechanics in the country by a wide margin.

“We knew if we stuck together and stayed committed to protecting the pay and benefits we’ve earned over decades of hard work, we’d do what many thought was impossible and win big for our families, the future of our company and our customers,” said Teamsters Local 2727 President Tim Boyle. “This contract does just that, along with raising standards throughout the aviation industry.”

Some of the improvements in the contract include an immediate 17.72 percent pay increase, raises each year resulting in a 32.61 percent increase in pay from current rates by the end of the contract and the protection of an unparalleled health care package with no premiums.

“I want to extend my congratulations to the Teamsters Local 2727 negotiating committee. This agreement is the culmination of over four years of long hours, hard work and dedication from them. Their focus on improving the existing agreement and quality of life for our UPS members is what enabled us to ratify this industry-leading contract,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

IBT, UAL jointly request NMB Mediation

On Tuesday, February 5, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and United Airlines jointly requested that the National Mediation Board (NMB) provide assistance to mediate negotiations for an agreement covering maintenance controllers working at the company. The 90 maintenance controllers work in the carrier’s Chicago headquarters and coordinate maintenance and repairs for United Airlines’ aircraft fleet.

“We’re looking forward to a productive conversation with the company and the NMB,” said Capt. David Bourne, Teamsters Airline Division Director. “We’re confident that all of us can work together to craft a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the value, expertise and professionalism that these workers bring to United Airlines.”

Negotiations for Allegiant Air Technicians and Related Continues

The IBT International Negotiating Team, Chairman Clacy Griswold, Co-Chair Bob Fisher, International Representatives, Paul Alves and Chris Moore, Business Agents Mike Moats ( 964), Tom Esposito (769), Gregg Vandagriff (104), Dave Elmore (986) along with rank and file committee members Collin Coffman, IWA, Brad Yokie, SFB and Floyd Espinoza, LAS, met at Allegiant Headquarters to begin direct negotiations with Allegiant management. Detailed work in advance by the committee before the first meeting with the Company led to a very productive start. 

The Union was able to pass ten articles; Articles 5 (Hours of Service), 8 (Filling of Vacancies), 9 (Reduction in Force, Furlough and Recall), 10 (Leaves of Absence), 12 (Training), 13 (Safety and Health), 19 (Dispute Resolution and Grievance Procedure), 20 (System Board of Adjustment), 23 (Management Rights) and 24 (Labor Management Rights). 

In a message to the membership, the Committee reported that the meeting with the Company was positive and that the parties are in the process of setting up future dates. 

Keeping an Open Mind on Pilots’ Mental Health 

The deliberate crash of the Germanwings Airbus A320 in March 2015 has given the aviation industry a wakeup call to confront cockpit mental health head-on. Efforts within the air transport sector to overcome stigma attached to mental health problems are progressing. 

Other airlines and Unions worldwide have established Peer Support groups to assist pilots with mental health and wellness. These groups have achieved a 90% success rate by helping pilots with their issues and providing a plan for returning to work. 

The Teamsters Airline Division has formed a Steering Committee to create a Pilot Peer Assistance group for all of our Union members.

The initiative is called Crewmembers Helping Other Crewmembers Keep Safe (CHOCKS). CHOCKS is designed to assist pilots and their families across all Locals of the Airline Division by providing resources to help in their well-being.

The Peer support efforts will focus on education and understanding the difference between being stressed- but functioning and stressed to break-down.

The CHOCKS peer support structure provides individuals a place to turn to in order to share their issues with trusted peers in as close to a non-threatening environment as possible; allowing for early intervention and a positive culture of speaking about mental health. 

The interest is to ensure crews are not suffering distractions from “common troubles” of life, which might result in accidental - but potentially hazardous - slips during flight operations. To list few of the stressors or “common troubles” in life; Depression and Grief, Divorce, Chemical Dependency, Stress, Anxiety, Financial, Parenting, a Sick Child or Spouse, Suicide, Domestic Violence, Emotional, or Elder Care.

Since none of the peer support volunteers are professional counselors, CHOCKS is simply charged with providing resources to the problems our pilots undergo in order to provide a plan of action. Sometimes acting just as a confidential and active listener can help, but, if the circumstances merit further action, then we can suggest contacting the appropriate resource to help address the source of the stress. 

The steering committee is working diligently to develop the CHOCKS program and the needed resources. Committee members Roy Liggett, Human Factors Coordinator, Captain Janina Clark, Atlas Air, Captain Steven York, Southern Air, and Kathy Carl, Consultant, retired Atlas Air Flight Engineer, have recently attended American Airlines Project Wingman training for peer support volunteers in Dallas TX. Crewmembers will be notified of the status of this initiative as it evolves.

Airline Division Representatives attend Aero Engines Americas Conference

The AEA conference was held January 29th and 30th in Dallas. Attending for the Airline Division were Vinny Graziano, National Coordinator MX and Chris Moore Chairman, TAMC. The conference provided a candid look at what is going on in the Engine Overhaul MRO business. Opening remarks and state of the industry updates were presented by ICF Consultants and discussed the Flying Fleet and Engine Overview and Forecast as well as Mergers and Acquisitions and analysis of Aero Engine trends.

Bloomberg Intelligence provided a macroeconomic outlook of the industry that included Global Markets, Analysis of Geopolitical issues, Fleet Demographics, Oil Prices, Financing and Investor Perspective. 

The industry outlook is still strong despite an increase in oil prices. Lower oil prices incentivize keeping older less fuel-efficient engines in service and increases the number of engines to be overhauled. Unfortunately, the lack of available skilled labor and parts are constraining capacity not just in North America but worldwide and although new technologies such as Virtual Training, 3D printing and AI Troubleshooting are helping to streamline the overhaul process the fact remains that there are just not enough skilled mechanics available to cover all of the work.

Look for a more detailed report on this conference in the March 2019 TAMC newsletter.

Airline Industry News

Governmental and Regulatory 

US carrier Kalitta Air has called for sanctions on the Dutch government, Schiphol and Stichting Airport Coordination Netherlands (ACNL), alleging its slots were “wrongfully withheld”. 

Two key US lawmakers overseeing federal transportation policy have introduced a bill that would keep the FAA fully funded during any future lapse in appropriations. 

Airlines, Industry and Labor 

The Boeing 747 has been an iconic piece of the airline industry since its introduction in 1969, and still serves today, largely as a freighter for cargo carriers around the world. "There are other very capable aircraft on the market, but no other aircraft in production can match [the 747's] massive capacity, range and efficiency," said UPS freighter captain and program manager Doug Menish. 

As Amazon continues its meteoric rise into the e-commerce stratosphere, the company’s relationship with the well-established integrators, like FedEx, UPS and DHL, have been relatively cordial, as Amazon has long relied on the express companies’ vast networks of last-mile options to deliver goods in a timely fashion.

However, according to the latest annual Form 10-K statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), there has been a subtle, but crucial, addition in Amazon’s description of its competitors that may give pause to the likes of FedEx and UPS.  Under the section titled “Risk Factors,” Amazon describes how it faces “intense competition” from a long list of entities. This year, for the first time, the company includes “transportation and logistics services” on the list, suggesting that Amazon will be focusing more of its attention on supply chain logistics this year.

Airline Division Week in Review — January 21, 2019

SWA Material Specialist TA Agreement Raises Standards for Workers in the Airline Industry 

The Teamsters have reached a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines on behalf of members who work as material specialists for the commercial carrier. The nearly 300 material specialists at Southwest oversee the company’s technical operation inventory management across the network. 

“I would like to thank the committee for their hard work and dedication to bringing forward this industry-leading tentative agreement to the membership,” said Captain David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Our members are true aviation professionals, and this agreement will recognize them as such.” 

The Southwest material specialists are members of Teamsters Locals 986, 104, 781, 19, 769 and 210. The agreement contains a number of significant improvements in wages and benefits. 

Local 357 President Discusses Assisting Air Traffic Controllers During Government Shutdown 

Teamsters Local 357 President Josh LeBlanc was interviewed by BTC Radio this week concerning the government shutdown and what his Local did to assist air traffic controllers. Captain LeBlanc is an 18-year veteran of Republic Airline. LeBlanc discussed the shutdown’s impact on morale and financial stability for workers and what Local 357 did to assist air traffic controllers in need. The 10-minute interview can be listened to at https://btcnews.co/2Cr3uF0. BTC Radio, produced and published by the Business Travel Coalition is distributed to some 4,000 government officials, 16,000 press and 40,000 industry participants and is hosted on 9 podcast platforms, e.g., iTunes.  

Airline Industry News 

Governmental & Regulatory 

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, has been appointed chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's Aviation and Space Subcommittee. "We look forward to working with Senate Commerce Committee chairman [Roger] Wicker, Aviation Subcommittee chairman Cruz and the other committee leadership members on issues that will advance the commercial aviation industry for the traveling and shipping public," said Airlines for America in a statement. 

Airlines, Industry and Labor 

Nippon Cargo Airlines and Atlas Air have expanded their agreement by adding three NCA-owned 747-400s for its operational agreement with Atlas Air to begin routes in April, July and September of this year. "NCA was selected Atlas Air to operate its entire 747-400F fleet, and we look forward to continuing to provide NCA and its customers with an unmatched service and a platform for future global expansion," said Atlas Air President and CEO William Flynn.

In 2018, Boeing delivered 806 jetliners, surpassing its previous annual delivery high of 763 in 2017. Airbus also made aircraft deliveries in high numbers, reporting 800 jetliners delivered in 2018. 

As the former president, CEO and chairman of American Airlines, Robert Crandall formed an easy friendship with his competitor from Southwest Airlines, Herb Kelleher, who passed away last week. Crandall remembers Kelleher as a savvy businessman who also "had an effervescent sense of humor and liked to take ordinary situations and turn them into fun events if he could." 

United Airlines' fourth-quarter earnings beat analysts' expectations, despite higher-than-expected fuel costs in 2018. In an effort to earn more customers, the airline has been focused on improving its on-time performance, reducing canceled flights and launching 93 new routes last year. 

Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of the International Air Transport Association, predicts that commercial electric aircraft will start entering the market over the next 15 years. Industry watchers can also expect increased air-traffic congestion and a more streamlined security and customs experience for passengers. 

Aviation industry observers including journalists and consultants and predictions offer insights about how the industry could change and grow in 2019. 

A CNBC reporter gets behind the controls at the United Airlines Flight Training Center in Denver. The training center features 31 simulators and plans to add nine more in the next 12 to 18 months. 

Building-permit applications show that FedEx has big plans for its hub at Tennessee's Memphis International Airport, which handles more than 450 daily arrivals and departures. FedEx announced in March plans for $1 billion in improvements to be made at the hub from 2019 through 2025.

Airline Division Week in Review — November 11, 2018

IBT Locals Join Forces to Provide Hurricane Disaster Relief

We may never be able to fully understand the path of Mother Nature’s fury. Or why storms move the way they do, leaving a swath of destruction on one side of a street and the other side remains untouched. What we do know is the human tragedy in terms of lives and property destroyed and the immediate need for assistance to those left in the path of the fury.

Local 769 Business Agent David Renshaw has been up close and personal on more than one occasion. It was 26 years ago when he and his family weathered the monster known as Hurricane Andrew that devastated their home and belongings. Last year after Hurricane Maria levelled Puerto Rico, he was a key point of contact in marshalling not only supplies, but in securing both airlift with Airline Division member airlines and sealift with Crowley Shipping to get urgently needed supplies to Puerto Rico. Working hand in hand with Division Director David Bourne and multiple other local Unions and Joint for TLU 901 in Puerto Rico, Teamsters were a major force in the effort to get help to those in need. In the Northeast, VP George Miranda worked coordinating supplies and volunteers to take personal time to fly there and help folks in need. In addition to helping the people of Puerto Rico, he oversaw multiple deliveries of truckloads of food, water and supplies to the victims in the Florida Keys that came from across the nation.

And yet again, with the impact of yet another hurricane this year, Teamsters have stood up to help fellow Americans in need. Hurricane Michael, which appeared to pose some threat to the Florida Panhandle did what so many storms did; it turned into a monster when people weren’t looking and gave little or no time to react. The result was utter devastation in areas that least expected it and were ill equipped to deal with the aftermath. Hurricane Michael in terms of pressure was the third-most intense Atlantic hurricane to make landfall, in addition it was the strongest storm on record to strike the Florida Panhandle.

Brother Renshaw, now with an unplanned new title as Southeast Regional Disaster Coordinator stepped up, under the direction of Roy Gillespie of the Teamsters National Disaster Relief coordinator. Working hand in hand with Local 991and Joint Council 75, the AFL-CIO reached out to the Teamsters and joined hands for a union colocation relief team along with others to mount a massive support effort for the people of the Florida Panhandle who have had their lives upended now. While we all saw the pictures from the security and warmth of our homes, David and others have been on the front line since days after the storm hit.

“I had paramedics from South Florida positioned there before the storm hit,” he said. “And what we have seen and witnessed firsthand defies words. Cities like Mexico no longer exist. It’s not a matter of just restoring power and water…there’s nothing to restore and nothing to restore it to. The towns are gone. Just like a bomb had been dropped on them. Roads aren’t damaged, they no longer exist. Infrastructure is gone. Towns like Panama City, Blountstown, Port St. Joe also took a devastating hit as their sense of normality has been turned upside down, some with nothing but the clothes on their back and a few personal belongs they have. This is a long-term recovery.”

How your Local Union and Joint Council can help our Brothers & Sisters and their community in need is the following: 

Monetary donations, contact: Jim Gookins-Principal Officer TLU 991 (251) 433.1521
Donate goods, contact: Jim Schurling-President JC 75 (904) 786.7649

Local teachers; members of the FL Educational Association, joined by school administrative staff and members of the FL AFL-CIO, joined in with members of the IBT to unload the first delivery of disaster relief supplies for residents of Franklin County after the devastating hurricane. The delivery, as well as most of the others, were daunting as the roads; in many areas were completely destroyed. Working in coordination with local law enforcement and others, members of the IBT and AFL-CIO went out first to find roads that were able to handle trucks and ensure they were safe to drive on.

“Hotshot” is a term used to describe a short notice call for immediate assistance. This photo is right after such a delivery. An IBT Local 991 Steward contacted the crew who was able to get an immediate delivery of supplies to a local church whose pastor was coordinating donations and distribution to many elderly people and those who had no access to transportation. IBT Disaster Coordinator and Local 769 Business Agent David Renshaw is in the foreground with Brother Roy Gillespie, IBT Disaster Relief Coordinator (Second on right)

Volunteers led by IBT Hurricane Relief Coordinator Roy Gillespie and the local AFL-CIO; worked long days driving to inaccessible, rural areas to ensure that elderly hurricane victims and others were supplied with critical assistance and checked on to make sure they were safe. With the outstanding assistance of Costco in Tallahassee, FL they were able to marshal much needed supplies, which were sorted and palletized by Costco employees to streamline the delivery process.

Airline Division Week in Review — Labor Day 2018

Southwest Material Specialists vote down, “Last, Best and Final” offer, file for mediation.  

On August 28th, Material Specialists at Southwest rejected the company’s “Last, Best and Final” contract offer. The Union and Company jointly filed for Mediation. The National Mediation Board has responded and assigned a case number. As of this time, no dates for the first meeting have been announced.

Airline Industry News 

Governmental, Regulatory  and Industry

The Federal Aviation Administration announced its fourth round of airport infrastructure grants, totaling $616.9 million to fund 408 projects at 226 airports. Projects funded include runway and taxiway improvements, aprons, terminals, snow-removal equipment, and firefighting equipment and training. 

United Continental Holdings, parent of United Airlines, will transfer its listing to the Nasdaq Global Select Market from the New York Stock Exchange on Sept. 7. "Their highly respected trading platform and marketing initiatives offer the most cost-effective listing alternative and support our work to deliver on our cost targets," United Chief Financial Officer Gerry Laderman said. 

United Airlines is using iPads for aircraft maintenance, saving at least 17 minutes during maintenance. "The iPads give us that edge," said David Caster, maintenance manager. "It gives us efficiency we need that allows us to operate in a safe and on-time manner."

Labor Day 2018

On this weekend when millions of Americans celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of the school year, we wish to recall the true meaning of Labor Day; to honor the hard-working men and women who have built this nation. It is for them and their legacy, and each of you, that we honor those who have stood the test to make it possible for millions to enjoy the benefits that your solidarity has made possible.  

Out of respect for those who led the way over the decades, for you and your union brothers and sisters and your families, and mindful of those who will follow you in the future, the offices of the Airline Division will be CLOSED on Monday, September 3rd. We will reopen for regular business on Tuesday morning, September 4th.  

We wish you, your families and your union brothers and sisters a happy and safe Labor Day.

Airline Division Week in Review — August 17, 2018

Southern Air pilots ratify Tentative Agreement

Pilots who fly for Southern Air, a subsidiary of Atlas Worldwide Holdings have ratified a Tentative Agreement that brings their contract on par with those of pilots at AAWW-owned Atlas Air. Pilots at both airlines are represented by their union, the Airline Pilots Association, Teamsters Local 1224.

The LOA provides some temporary relief for the pilots who were forced to negotiate their contract with Southern Air during bankruptcy. As a result, Southern Air--which flies exclusively for DHL--has been unable to attract and retain pilots.

The voting period for the Southern Air LOA closed on Thursday, August 9th. Nearly 94% of their membership voted, with 181 (94.76% voting in favor and 10 opposing the agreement.

Teamsters win industry leading agreement for UPS Mechanics

After four years of bargaining, over one thousand three hundred UPS aircraft mechanics and related employees represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 2727 have secured significant raises in pay, improved retirement security and the protection of health care benefits in a new tentative contract agreement reached with the shipping company.

The tentative agreement, which will be voted on in the coming weeks by the Union’s membership, sets a new bar for aircraft mechanics in the U.S. airline industry, with pay rates and benefits that surpass those at FedEx and all other major U.S.-based carriers. Upon ratification of the new contract, Local 2727 members will become the highest paid aviation mechanics in the country by a wide margin.

“It’s because of the tremendous resolve and unity of our members and their families that we’re celebrating this historic agreement with UPS,” said Tim Boyle, President of Louisville-based Teamsters Local 2727. “We knew if we stuck together and stayed committed to protecting the pay and benefits we’ve earned over decades of hard work, we’d do what many thought was impossible and win big for our families, the future of our company and our customers. This contract does just that along with raising standards throughout the aviation industry.”

Highlights of the new tentative agreement include:

• Dramatic increases in pay for all mechanics and related employees, including an immediate 16 percent pay increase
• Three percent raises each year, resulting in a 30.7% increase in pay from current rates by the end of the contract
• Full retroactive pay for all hours worked from November 1, 2013 (the day the current contract first became amendable) to the date of ratification
• Protection of an unparalleled health care package with no premiums
• An increase in UPS’s pension contribution   

“I want to extend my congratulations to the Teamsters Local 2727 negotiating committee. This agreement is the culmination of over four years of long hours, hard work and dedication from them. Their focus on improving the existing agreement and quality of life for our UPS members is what now enable us to bring this industry-leading contract to the membership for their review and decision,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division.

 “UPS aircraft mechanics went for years without a raise and we’ve worried long enough about the future of our medical care,” said aircraft mechanic Jack Chatburn who was on the bargaining committee. “We are eager to share the details of this top-notch agreement with our members and our families who will now have the top-notch pay and health benefits we’ve been fighting for. We believe the contract will be ratified swiftly.”

The full details of the tentative agreement will first be disclosed to and discussed with Teamsters Local 2727 members. Members will vote whether to ratify the agreement in a secret ballot referendum that will be conducted in September.

Members of Local 986 and Local 959 Gain Wage Increases, Benefit Improvements

Teamster pilots with Aloha Air Cargo (AAC) and Northern Air Cargo (NAC) voted overwhelmingly today to ratify an agreement providing for wage increases, benefit improvements and increased job protections. The 104 pilots are members of Teamsters Local 986 in South El Monte, Calif., and Local 959 in Anchorage, Alaska.

The pilots are based in Anchorage, Honolulu, and Miami, and operate Boeing 737 and 767 aircraft.

Negotiations for separate agreements at AAC and NAC were already in progress in 2017 when the carriers announced a merger of the pilot groups. After months of hard work and dedication by the rank-and-file members, negotiating committee members and union leaders, a tentative agreement with the company was reached in June 2018. Upon ratification of the agreement today, the AAC and NAC pilots became one pilot group under a single seniority list.

“Under this agreement, the pilots will be better compensated and enjoy a higher standard of living and protections on the job,” said Capt. David Bourne, Director of the Teamsters Airline Division. “Thanks go out to the pilot negotiating committee, as well as our international representatives and local business agents. In addition, the support from Secretary-Treasurer Rick Boyles of Local 959 and Chris Griswold of Local 986 has been invaluable.”

Airline Division Week in Review — July 18, 2018

Joint Agreement reached between Aloha, NAC pilots and management

Following an Agreement in Principle (AIP) that was achieved on May 3, 2018, representatives of both pilot groups have notified their memberships of a Tentative Agreement that was reached with management.

In a message to the membership of both carriers dated July 6th, the Negotiating Committees of both carriers said, “Roadshow Meetings were held with the Pilots from both Domiciles over the previous two weeks to explain the terms and details of the Joint Agreement. During these meetings, you had the opportunity to participate in a thorough presentation and group discussions with your negotiators, along with representatives from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Locals 959 and 986, and other individuals who played a part in assisting us in achieving the improvements that are found in this TA.

After the ratification of this TA, the AAC and NAC pilots will become one Pilot group under a single Seniority List. Your Joint Negotiating Committee believes that our pilots should be well compensated and enjoy a high standard of living and continued job security. Our commitment to these principles is found in every Section of this new TA.” The ratification process is being conducted by an outside company selected by the IBT. The ratification voting period will continue until July 24, 2018, at 2:00 P.M. EDT. At the close of the voting period, the ballots will be counted and the results will be announced.

Atlas Air Management proposes full parity for Southern Air pilots

During discussions in Washington, Atlas Air offered a proposal to bring the crewmembers of Southern Air Cargo, which was purchased by Atlas Air Worldwide; to full contract parity with the crewmembers of Atlas Air. In a message to the membership released by the ExCo and Negotiating Committee said, “As you may know, yesterday members of your Southern Air Pilots EXCO, Atlas Air Pilots EXCO, Local 1224 President Dan Wells, Vice President Cameron Graff along with Airline Division Director David Bourne met with company officials in Washington, D.C. to conduct contract parity negotiations.  We can report that we believe we have reached an agreement in principal with the company on an LOA that would bring our counterparts at Southern to parity with Atlas Air pilots, while we continue contract negotiations. The document is detailed and complicated and will require a full review by our representatives and legal team before we can officially confirm we have reached a TA.”

The proposal is currently under review by both the committees and Local 1224 legal staff and will then be put into a final draft form to be presented to the Southern pilot group for a ratification vote. No date has yet been set for a ratification vote as there must first be road shows scheduled to present the document and answer any questions from the membership. Once these dates are finalized, the will be published to the members and in The Week in Review.

Teamsters Decry Supreme Court ruling that rolls back rights of union members

This week, in a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with anti-union advocates attempting to undercut the rights of millions of public employees to negotiate with their employers for a fair return on the value of their work. By backing the plaintiffs in “Janus v. AFSCME,” the high court’s decision is an attempt to limit the collective voices of not only government workers, but those in the private sector as well. 

In a press release issued Wednesday after the ruling; General President Jim Hoffa said, “The Supreme Court’s ruling is at a time when so many Americans are struggling just to make ends meet. The Teamsters and our allies in the labor movement will redouble our efforts to ensure that working men and women have a voice on the job through strong unions.” 

The median salary for working people represented by labor unions is $11,000 a year more than non-union people who have no right to negotiate. 

“By overturning 40 years of judicial precedent, conservative judges endorsed an agenda supported by corporations and the wealthiest in our society to take away the right of public employees to negotiate over wages, benefits and working conditions,” said Michael Filler, Director of the Teamsters’ Public Services Division.

Horizon Pilots Lawsuit against Alaska Air Group dismissed, sent to SBA

The lawsuit filed by Horizon pilots over the company’s violation of the Fleet Commitment Letter; which gave Horizon pilots the exclusive rights to the flying of the new E175 jet fleet, was challenged in court by management, seeking to have the lawsuit dismissed. On July 6th the court ruled in favor of management by dismissing the lawsuit over venue. In a message to the membership, the ExCo said,

“On July 6, 2018, the Honorable Judge Pechman dismissed our lawsuit from federal court. She rejected our position that when Horizon and AAG (Alaska Airlines’ parent company) diverted the five E175’s to SkyWest last fall, they clearly violated our Fleet Commitment Letter of Agreement and thus attempted to change that Letter Agreement without negotiating with us, as the Railway Labor Act (“RLA”) requires. 

Instead, she agreed with the company, finding that it presented a plausible interpretation of the Fleet Commitment Letter that arguably justified its diversion decision. In reaching this decision, she did not decide who had the better argument, the company or us. Instead, she decided that the question did not belong in federal court because an arbitrator—or a System Board of Adjustment in RLA parlance—had to make that decision. We respectfully think Judge Pechman’s decision is deeply mistaken.”

Allegiant Strike Authorization Vote Totals Announced

The voting period for the Strike Authorization Vote for Allegiant Air crew members closed n July 6th.  Following are the results of the membership vote:

YES: 701 (93.5% of the voting members)

NO:  49

Total Ballots:  750

Total Electorate: 877

Percentage Voted: 85.52% 

The Strike Authorization Vote passed a membership vote by an overwhelming margin.  This vote authorizes the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to call a strike against Allegiant Air in the event it becomes necessary.  

UAL QC Inspector Spells Stress Relief “Point it and Punch it”

Everyone has their own way of unwinding after a long shift. If you’re Brother Dan Stunda, a United Airlines Quality Control Inspector in Houston, you head into the garage.

Along with son Dane, they are on the road again participation in the “Hot Rod Power Tour” sponsored by Hot Rod magazine and Chevrolet with many vendors and sponsors. Their seventh and sixth consecutive tours respectively, they are part of a the largest roving car show in the world; hitting seven cities in seven days, racing in each city before heading to the next. Of the 6,000 applicants, 3000 are selected for the tour. The “Longhaul Gang,” begins each new series where they left off the year before.

Now in its 25th year, this year’s race began in Bowling Green, Kentucky and went to Chattanooga, TN, Birmingham AL, Atlanta GA, Darlington SC, and Raleigh, NC and ended in Charlotte NC.

As Dan said, “some guys go hunting and fishing- “Lil guy and I run badass rides through the country leaving tire rubber patches, all fun. And we’re already building next year’s rides for 25th anniversary Power Tour 2019 run.

My son Dane and I do Hot Rod Power Tour every year and this was our 7th, 6th consecutive. Hot Rod Power Tour. 7 days 7 cities largest roving car show in world thru the backwoods of the America. Over 6000 entries and upwards of 3000 that do whole tour. The "Longhaul Gang" starts from the city it stops at from prior year.

I try and do different ride every year, said Dan. In 2014 -15 my 15 year old son wanted to build his first ride. We bought 1997 Chevy S-10 in pieces and repowered swap/4l60 with rear under bed turbo along with a complete overhaul and paint job. We completed it three days prior to the start of the tour. Left for the Wisconsin Dells with my sons driving permit was six days old. He drove 80% tour with me as his right seat nav man, ending up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that year, an over 3800 mile round trip.”

When asked what it was like on the tour, he said “It's a total blast running the countryside with six thousand other gearheads with bad ass street rods. Gas fumes, oil and tire smoke. If you do it will change your life.” 

We couldn’t agree more.

Brother Dan Stunda and son Dane.

Running a 12.32 ET and 118 at Beech Bend Raceway

Airline Industry News

Airlines, Industry and Labor

Pilots hired by regional carrier GoJet are guaranteed an interview with air freight company Atlas Air after one or two years of employment. "We are delighted to begin this special relationship with GoJet," said Atlas Air president and chief operating officer John Dietrich. 

The age of the freighter is clearly not over– although the 777 is the new aircraft of choice. Orders pledged at the Farnborough Air Show are starting to trickle in.

One of the most recurring questions at Loadstar Towers in recent weeks has been whether a takeover of Atlas Air by Amazon could be on the cards.

The decision by UPS in February to turn 14 options on B747-8 freighters into firm orders was hailed as a lifeline for the iconic type – but it may be the last hurrah for the jumbo.