AWAC awarded Northwest ground handling

[wheelsup]

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the Pinnacle flying or not that was bid on, but I thought it was interesting at least.

Any growth is better than no growth, even if it is not air frames .

We are very pleased to announce that AWAC has entered into a ground handling agreement with a new partner - Northwest Airlines.

After significant negotiations throughout a competitive bidding process, we have been awarded a contract to perform ground handling for Northwest at the following eight locations:

AZO - Kalamazoo
BIS - Bismark
CID - Cedar Rapids
MBS - Saginaw
SBN - South Bend
SUX - Sioux City
SYR - Syracuse
TVC - Traverse City

While the specific station implementation dates are still being finalised, we expect them to occur throughout the third and fourth quarter 2006 and be completed by year-end.

[kellwolf]

All of those were probably Mesaba ground handling. I think PCL has VERY few ground stations other than MEM.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

All of those were probably Mesaba ground handling. I think PCL has VERY few ground stations other than MEM.

interesting. looks like mesaba is getting the shaft from all sides.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

interesting. looks like mesaba is getting the shaft from all sides.

Wonder what's going to happen in MSP if Mesaba tanks as fars as PCL. I know they handle the ground service for PCL. Mesaba cannot hire enough people to do the job.

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Those are all mainline northwest ground stations. Pinnacle works a number of stations- primarily in the south.

[wheelsup]

Originally Posted by PeanuckleCRJ

Those are all mainline northwest ground stations. Pinnacle works a number of stations- primarily in the south.

sweet, replacing mainline jobs with subcontracted work. I bet those employees are gonna be really happy on monday when they find out.

[JEP]

Originally Posted by wheelsup

sweet, replacing mainline jobs with subcontracted work. I bet those employees are gonna be really happy on monday when they find out.

It's odd that NWA did not farm out more subcontracting work. Their job website has multiple listings for PT ESE at many stations. No FT work though.

[kellwolf]

PT for ground workers is actually fairly common. The only airline I know of that hires FT mainly is SWA. You don't have to shell out as much cash for benefits (if any) for PTers, so it's a win-win for management.

As far as what happens in MSP if Mesaba tanks, who knows. I wouldn't be surprised to se Mesaba hang around as a ground service company if the flying goes under. If they go on strike, though, I'm not flying their routes. I'll drop this job like a hot potato before I fly struck work.

[blee256]

Yeah Peanuckle is pretty smart. I believe him. haha!

FWIW, I did hear that pinnacle is bidding for the ground ops in MSP and DTW.