Directorate concludes Air Serbia investigation

Directorate finds no irregularities following union complaints

The Serbian Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) has completed an investigation into allegations made by the Independent Union of Serbian Pilots that Air Serbia is overworking its crew, which could potentially put passenger safety at risk. The Directorate found that the carrier’s flight planning methods and crew duty times are in line with national legislation and European Union regulations. “According to the investigation’s findings, Air Serbia uses the AIMS program for crew planning and time keeping”, the Directorate said in a statement. AIMS is a crew planning software which determines the minimum legal flight deck/cabin crew requirements for any given annual or seasonal commercial schedule plan with consideration given to national laws, company regulations and union agreements. The CAD says its findings are based on random checks carried out throughout May and adds it will undertake another investigation in the coming period.

Air Serbia welcomed the CAD’s findings and rejected the union’s claims as baseless. “This inspection shows that pilot duty times, as well as the time they spend on board, are truly and without exception in line with national legislation and European Union regulations. On the other hand, these findings are in stark contrast to claims made by the President of the Union of Independent Pilots of Serbia, lawyer Nenad Vojnović”, the carrier says. It adds, “These allegations bring into question the standard of passenger and employee safety enforced at Air Serbia without grounds, making these accusations very serious”.

Last week, the union stated that Air Serbia’s pilots sometime have to fly two nights in a row and then have to work the following day as well. In a press release, the union said that, for example, a pilot that lands on Tuesday at 06.00, could have his/her next departure at 23.00 that same day. As a result, their rotation would end at 04.00 on Wednesday. The union warns that some pilots are then rostered on to work on Thursday morning as well. It identified flights operated by Air Serbia on behalf of Etihad Airways between Abu Dhabi and Muscat, which ran until the beginning of June, as one of the best examples of this practice. “This kind of planning, despite the fact that there are a sufficient number of pilots, may endanger air traffic safety”, the union said. It also noted that duty times among pilots are not evenly spread out and that the company no longer provides transport for its pilots, who must either come to the airport using their own mode of transportation or by public transport. The union has furthermore called for the implementation of a Fatigue Risk Management System at the airline. The union has not responded to the CAD’s findings but previously said it has been unable to schedule a meeting with Air Serbia’s management to discuss these issues in over a year.

Comments

  1. Anonymous09:45

    I don't really trust the directorate since they are another government owned agency whose professionalism has eroded under this government. BTW Air Serbia is sending an ATR to Warsaw!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pera Kojot21:10

      When ATR goes to WAW? I didn's saw that.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous09:51

    What a surprise... not.
    This institution is run by Ms Mihajlovic's cousin so the outcome was know from the start.
    I hope they change something, especially with the work conditions of the crew. So many are leaving the airline.

    Because of the shortage, JU had to reduce its crew training to just one week. Mind you, JAT' s was three months.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:24

      3 meseca, možda 70-tih ;) Prema današnjim standardima obuka traje par nedelja, uključujući teoretski i praktični deo. Evo reklame iz Blic zene iz 2013: "Jatov trening centar ima jednu od najstarijih škola za kabinsko osoblje na svetu, koja je počela sa radom početkom sedamdesetih godina prošlog veka u okviru Jatovog školskog centra.
      U ovom centru danas se obavlja obuka za kabinsko osoblje za potrebe Jat Airways-a, ali i za sve zainteresovane osobe sa strane.
       

      .............................................Cena kursa po osobi košta 330 evra za veće grupe od 6 do 12 polaznika, ili 432 evra po osobi za manje grupe do šest kandidata. Ova cena obuhvata teoretsku nastavu, priručnike i praktični deo nastave. Teoretski deo kursa traje tri radne nedelje.

      Praktični deo nastave obuhvata posete avionu, vežbe u simulatoru i pet letova na redovnim linijama Jata, u pratnji instruktora. Ukupna cena kursa sa troškovima ispita i sa izdavanjem sertifikata košta bez PDV-a oko 880 evra."
      U Croatia airlines-u obuka traje 12+1+1 radni dan.
      U Emiates 5-6 nedelja ukljucujuci teoretski i prakticni deo.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10:36

      That's why I wrote JAT and not Jat. Still, a one week training is not enough.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10:43

      Tadašnji standardi se ne mogu meriti sa danasnjim. Tri meseca obuke, izvinite pa ne obucavaju ih da lete ;)

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:12

      Serbian CAD is independent institution, with no political influence !

      Delete
    5. Anonymous11:16

      Hahahahahahaha yes, no political influence.

      Delete
    6. Anonymous11:24

      Slažem se.

      Medjutim isto tako mislim da je 1 nedelja premalo. A to sto se prodaju "kursevi" za kabinsko osoblje je u najmanju ruku smešno, jer samo uzimaju novac naivnim ljudima koji misle da će se tako probiti do posla. To je meni kao kad kompanija traži da "kupis" type rating da bi dobio posao. Jako ružno i ne profesionalno

      Delete
    7. Anonymous12:09

      Stjuardi i stjuardese su skolovani 6 nedelja 2004. Licno iskustvo.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous13:59

      Zar itko od vas želi letjeli s posadom čije je školovanje trajalo jedan tjedan?? Ljudi moji ovo je čisto ugrožavanje naše sigurnosti. U Emiratesu, Qataru i Etihadu školovanje traje 6 i više tjedana.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous15:03

      @1:59 eto u CTN je "duplo bolja" obuka, cele dve nedelje ;)

      Delete
    10. JATBEGMEL15:36

      ^^^

      Remember that EK, QR and EY have more aircraft types that the crew must learn. For example, the A330/A340 licence is the same, however there are minor differences in the aircraft (A342, A343, A345, A346) and that must be covered (eg: the oxygen masks). No matter the shortage, I doubt JU reduced training down to 1 week. Maybe 1 week for A320/ATR aircraft type, still there is first aid and service to cover. Not all crew is trained for the B733.

      Besides, outstations can check on crew knowledge, do random checks, and massive fines are issued if crew fail these checks. Airlines also do refresher courses and tests on a yearly basis.

      Delete
  3. The pilots union wouldn't be complaining unless they are unhappy about something.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous19:50

      I agree. Actually, they must be unhappy for many things.
      ot

      Delete
  4. Anonymous10:23

    Without prejudice, and no judgment on any parts, but isn't "AIMS - a crew planning software" just "machine" that spits out crew planning according to predetermined inputs which are current law and legislation on the field? In that case there should not be any dispute... All constructive inputs are welcome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10:36

      Crew scheduling is done manually in Air Serbia. ;)

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:37

      AIMs is suppose to do it but at the end human input is involved before it gets released to the crew. Hence, you have pilots flying anywhere from low 30s to as high as 80hrs a month. Fair? Of course not, especially when pay is based on how much you fly or not. (aside from base pay)

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:58

      Someone deleted my previous post? Is there something wrong when I say that AIMs is used for planning BUT human input gets involved before roster is released?! Tweaking a roster for operational reasons is one thing, but when you have guys flying anywhere from 35-75hrs a month - that's a whole different issue.

      Delete
  5. Anonymous10:25

    Any info what happend to JU330 yesterday?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous11:04

      The flight was postponed until 10 AM today because of technical problems at YU-APF. Yesterday was a really terrible day for ASL guests. JU801 from AUH was cancelled, JU655 from SVO eventually arrived but was 21 hours late, JU311 from from CDG was 2 hours late with B733 as equipment, JU174 to TGD 5 hours late, they send ATR to WAW because of the shortage of planes.....

      Delete
    2. Anonymous11:43

      Damn, that was a crappy day indeed! I think when you run the schedule so tight with minimal equipment - days like this are bound to happen. On the other hand larger carriers can afford to have few spares on "stand by" to mitigate IROPS, but unfortunately smaller ones like ASL can't afford to.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous11:49

      What happened with Frankfurt, it's written as 'preusmeren' then cancelled. Terrible day indeed.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous11:54

      Nažalost ASL nema mogućnost da drži jedan ili par aviona na stand by kao neke veće kompanije. Ali zato verujem da će se situacija ispeglati do kraja dana!

      Delete
    5. Anonymous12:01

      let's do more charter flights, nothing but crazy...!

      Delete
    6. Anonymous15:29

      Ju330 took off just to turn back above Vrbas and land back at Belgrade. The reason is unknown to me.

      Delete
    7. AirCEO18:01

      Can you have too much of a good thing, like too much aircraft utilization? Air Serbia can, and as a consequence couple of weather or mech issues quickly snowball into network-wide breakdown. Squeezing every single cent out of old planes is good, but it’s even better to counter it with the promise of better service in the future.

      Airworthiness for 733 will run its course in due time so going public with replacement plan for Boeings (similar to how ATR replacement was outlined) is needed at this juncture for disenchanted charter and scheduled 733 customers.

      Delete
    8. Anonymous20:10

      Geez people... have you actually seen some of the delays on BA, LH, AF... they run into tens of hours... its the airline business.. get a grip... delays happen... why does everyone back in Serbia constantly complain about every single little thing... I don't get you people...

      Delete
    9. Anonymous22:20

      Last anonymous, you are pathetic for comparing a small regional airline such as JU with monster airlines such as LH, BA, AF...

      Delete
  6. Anonymous10:32

    Na žalost, posao letećeg osoblja, više nikada neće biti "romantičan" kao nekada. Kada se setim Jatovih smena od par dana, tadašnji posao je bio stvarno više nego atraktivan. Primera radi Emirates crew i na svom najdužem letu za LAX ne ostaje duže od 24h. Nedavno je strajkovalo i osoblje skandinavskih aviokompanija, dakle u zemljama sa najzasticenijim pravima radnika.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JATBEGMEL15:06

      ^^^

      For EK the LAX layover is ~50 hours (2 days).

      Delete
    2. Anonymous17:40

      OT: I just got to know the real reason for OS cancelling their Male flights between July and end of Oct. Has nothing to do with low loads (official statement) but actually only with crew shortage as their layover is ONE WEEK. Now that is a tough life as FA to regularly get a week of holidays on the Maldives between two working shifts.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous20:02

      outgoing flight once a week= one week layover. Jat had such layovers for crew at Cleveland, Detroit, LA, Calcutta, Beijing, Bangkok, Karachi....

      Delete
  7. Beograd na Vodi11:45

    Passenger safety is a paramount. I hope this report is not just part of well known nepotism- we are talking passenger lives!

    On the other hand- no transport to work? BOOO-HOOO! Sniff...sniff...sob, sob!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:15

      "BOOO-HOOO! Sniff...sniff...sob, sob!" crap works in European countries where you have excellent public transport to the airport (trains, tube, etc). Now, try to go to Belgrade airport by bus, in the uniform and be prepared to be returned home if you do not meet the grooming standard before flight. (I don't think it is possible to get to the airport with clean uniform, nice hair and pleasant perfume smell by bus in Serbia).

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:25

      you are talking crap. you can go to any job in belgrade by gsp and others clean and refreshed there are 50% buses with ac. even 73 bus.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous12:37

      Yeah especially when the 73 bus runs until midnight and you have to be at the airport at 4 for your flight at 6.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous12:45

      With their flippin salary surely they can afford a Punto!???!!!

      I find this whole saga ridiculous, they are highest paid in Serbia and always complain - and none of them finished universities! More respect for doctors than pilots and they get a 10th of their pay. Spoilt divas as always...

      Delete
    5. Anonymous12:49

      First 72 (not 73) leaves Zeleni Venac at 04.30 and arrives to the airport at 05.15.
      However, first trams and busses that take you to ZV usually start at 04.15 which means that you can't make to the first 72.

      In other words, the crew working on the first flights has to get there with their own cars or take a taxi. Either way, JU should cover their transport expenses.

      Delete
    6. Beograd na Vodi13:05

      You really think that only air crew has to get to work early? And rely on public transport or their own?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous13:12

      Other JU employees whose shift starts at 05.00 have transport organised by JU. Maybe you should check your facts before going on a rant.

      Delete
    8. Beograd na Vodi13:51

      The problem is - I dont understand why! Why would anyone expect travel costs paid.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous13:55

      Well, because the airport is far away and it's a special case. Let JU change its first shift then it won't have to pay for the transport.

      Delete
    10. JATBEGMEL15:11

      Last I knew JU was providing transport for its pilots. Many airline companies do so for their flying crew. Lets not forget working in a pressurised tube at 39.000 feet is not the same as working on ground.

      Delete
    11. Anonymous16:43

      Cak i za smene od 5 ujutru se na posao moze stici uredan javnim prevozom. Linija A1.

      Delete
    12. Anonymous16:46

      Kabini racunaju satnicu oko 1000din/h umesto dnevnica, plus plata od oko 50-60000din, zar to nije medju najbolje placenim poslovima u Srbiji sa srednjom skolom?! Prevoze ih u kombijima sa belim mrezastim dezenom na staklima, da se ne vide spolja...

      Delete
    13. Anonymous16:52

      Kako da ne, A1 je super ako zivis na deset minuta od Slavije ili kraj fontane.

      Dakle nek narod manje lupa. Plus, A1 nije gsp te karta kosta 300 rsd.

      Delete
    14. Anonymous17:00

      Pa kad stw imaju 1000 evra mogu da odvoje 100 evra mesecno za minibus A1, ili toliko na gorivo za sopstveni auto.

      Delete
    15. ATR 72-50017:24

      "Kabini racunaju satnicu oko 1000din/h umesto dnevnica, plus plata od oko 50-60000din, zar to nije medju najbolje placenim poslovima u Srbiji sa srednjom skolom?!"
      That is a very generous salary for Serbia with only high school or in best case "privatni fakultet"! At the same time I think they get contracts per year so that is the major issue and I am not sure if they get some sort of pension. In Serbia many doctors outside Belgrade get 50-55000 as a regular monthly salary and maybe 2-3 "dezurstva".

      Delete
    16. Anonymous18:13

      All ex-Jat cabin crew (many in late 50s) which "passed EY assessments" have permanent, not temporary contract.

      Delete
    17. Anonymous20:46

      Kad ASL posada ostane negde imaju prevoz .
      INN-NS

      Delete
  8. Purger12:00

    Interesantan OT:

    SPISAK NAJDUŽIH NON-STOP LINIJA NA SVIJETU PO LJETNOM REDU LETENJA 2015

    1. Sydney-Dallas, Qantas
    13.804 km, 16:55 h
    A380

    2. Atlanta-Johannesburg, Delta
    13.582 km, 16:55 h
    777-200LR

    3. Abu Dhabi-Los Angeles, Etihad
    13.502 km, 16:35 h
    Boeing 777-200LR

    4. Dubai-Los Angeles, Emirates
    13.420 km, 16:30 h
    A380

    5. Jeddah-Los Angeles, Saudia
    13.409 km, 16:55 h
    777-300ER

    6. Dubai-Houston, Emirates
    13.144 km, 16:20 h
    777-200ER

    7. Abu Dhabi-San Francisco, Etihad
    13.129 km, 16:15 h
    777-300ER

    8. Dallas-Hong Kong, American
    13.073 km, 17:05 h
    777-300ER

    9. Dubai-San Francisco, Emirates
    13.041 km, 16:00 h
    777-300ER

    10. New York (JFK i EWR) - Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific, United
    12.990/12.979 km, 15:50-16:00 h
    777-300ER, 777-200ER

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous14:47

      Bravo Purger. Naučio si koristiti wikipediju...

      Delete
    2. Etihad and Emirates are very present on that list. I expect them them to dominate the list when they receive the 777-8X and -9X.

      Delete
  9. Anonymous12:58

    Kako to let Dalas - Hong Kong traje vremenski najduže, a tek je 8. na listi?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous13:03

      Kilometraza.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous14:07

      Ja leteo vise puta Atlanta - Johanesburg i uvek smo imali sletanje u Senegalu (Dakar)...ne znam kako je sad. Tako da to bas i nije non-stop.
      Pozdrav

      Delete
    3. Anonymous20:43

      SA ima taj stop over ako se ne varam a ne DL.
      INN-NS

      Delete
  10. Anonymous14:21

    Poceli smo svi da skrecemo sa teme dana.

    Mislim da definitivno postoji nesuglasica izmedju kompanije i pilota. Ocigledno da je potrebno da obe strane sednu i bez medjusobnih optuzivanja se dogovore kako napraviti win-win deal za obe strane. Ovo prepucavanje preko medija je ne potrebno i kvari ugled i firmi i pilotima.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous18:14

    Does anyone have info how Express Airways is doing?
    They are flying for several weeks now, and seem to use weekly different metal, e.g. DashQ84 of OU, DashQ83 of 3L or today ATR42 of OK...!?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Anonymous18:32

    New Austrian Airlines uniforms, clicked on the picture to enlarge it. Never saw those smiles from actual crew on my many erstwhile travels with OS! Blonde with tilted head looks like one of the Kraftwerk robots. Girl in black has this guy’s hand on her butt! What’s going on with Austrian?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous20:35

    A sledeci naslovkoji ce biti od Direktorata bice odobrili ETOPS letove i onda moze da se slavi posto je ASL spremna vec za A332.
    INN-NS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous22:04

      dosadan si sa tim ETOPS.
      you can't fly ETOPS by the start of operations (new type, 1st longhaul).

      Delete
    2. Anonymous23:14

      Pa ne mogu sve da pisem ovde , tako ce i biti . Vebace se na nekim linijama ne morate ni sve cuti od mene neko jednom nesto drugi isto kaze.
      INN-NS

      Delete
    3. Anonymous01:37

      Etops nije greda

      Delete
    4. Anonymous02:32

      Ceka se uglavnom direktorat , ASL je spremna letovi krecu kad je rekao Premijer .
      INN-NS

      Delete
  14. Eh! Gde postoji vecih strucnjaka od sindikalnih. Nema toga sto oni nisu u pravu, ili bar pretenduju. Dizu svoju zastavu toliko visoko, da cak nemogu ni sami njenu boju videti. Ne veruju DCA Srbije? To je njihovo pravo. Postovati zakon, to je obaveza svih pod zakonom. Neveruju svi u lidere sindikata, pa lideri su lideri... Jeli tako i u zemlji Srbiji? Pozdrav iz Sydney-a,✈Kraljeva✈, pa sta vam je blize. ✈Rodney✈& Son.

    ReplyDelete

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