Amazon switches two leases from Atlas Air to ATSG

Amazon has switched two of its Boeing 767 leases from Atlas Air to ATSG, following Atlas’ ongoing conflicts with its trade union.

Earlier this year, Amazon warned Atlas to resolve negotiations or else there could be “a change to the allocation of our current and future aircraft.” The company told Business Insider: “We have an obligation to deliver to our customers, and so do [Atlas].”

In June an arbitration tribunal found that the union, the Airline Professionals Association (APA), had caused delays to negotiations with its subsidiary Southern Air by misapprehending contractual requirements.

In July the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled against the union for illegal work slowdown, including excessive sick calls on short notice and refusals to work overtime.

Last month arbitration also ruled in favour of Atlas concerning merger provisions following the company’s acquisition of Southern Air. The union was found to be in violation of the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) by refusing to follow the provisions or to present an integrated pilot seniority list.

However, pilots continue to protest against alleged poor working conditions.

Amazon now leases 19 aircraft from Atlas Air. The company also has a warrant to acquire 30% of Atlas’ stock.

Source: The Loadstar