Tell me about ASTAR.......

[superpilot]

I still can't figure out the ASTAR/DHL connection. Who owns whom? ASTAR a good place to work? Pay?

Any other input appreciated!

Thanks.

Superpilot

[777forever]

When DHL was bought by a foreign company, the airline was spun off into ASTAR because foreigners can't own a US airline. DHL owns 49% of ASTAR. Talked to one of the pilots at a convention. He said expect a MINIMUM of 3 years sitting side ways.

[UPSpilot]

Originally Posted by 777forever

When DHL was bought by a foreign company, the airline was spun off into ASTAR because foreigners can't own a US airline. DHL owns 49% of ASTAR. Talked to one of the pilots at a convention. He said expect a MINIMUM of 3 years sitting side ways.

Decent company, decent pay. But.... DHL has not yet made it's plans known for it's US restructuring. The plan is due out sometime in May. DHL is losing about a BILLION dollar a year in the US, so they MUST do something. Nobody, even Astar pilots know how Astar will fare in the restructuring. If they survive, you can plan on much longer than 3 years on the panel. A buddy of mine there has been on the panel for over 7 years with no upgrade in sight.

If Astar survives, even with the long front seat upgrade, you would be crazy for not taking the job there if you currently fly for any regional, LCC or even, most of the majors.

[superpilot]

Thanks for the input. I do have a DC-8 Captain that will walk my resume in.

Man, what a crazy industry!!

superpilot

[JayAre]

Originally Posted by UPSpilot

Decent company, decent pay. But.... DHL has not yet made it's plans known for it's US restructuring. The plan is due out sometime in May. DHL is losing about a BILLION dollar a year in the US, so the MUST do something. Nobody, even Astar pilots know how Astar will fare in the restructuring.

I've heard rumors also on they arn't to happy with west coast operations. We might see a change in some of our contracts/runs, who knows. With so many old planes Im sure the fuel cost is bleeding them dry. Not to bash brown but yellow is much better to deal with on the feeder side.

[UPSpilot]

Originally Posted by JayAre

I've heard rumors also on they arn't to happy with west coast operations. We might see a change in some of our contracts/runs, who knows. With so many old planes Im sure the fuel cost is bleeding them dry. Not to bash brown but yellow is much better to deal with on the feeder side.

Brown bashing is not only allowed, but encouraged. UPS treats it's own employees like crap. I'd hate to think how they treat a contractor.

[superpilot]

I've been flying the Caravan for a few years now, for a couple different companies........the dudes with the purple tail are easier to work for than the dudes with the brown tail.

superpilot