Word on the street is that Gemini Air Cargo has ceased operations. Usually I try to stay away from posting rumors on Aircrew Buzz, but I've had an unusual number of inquiries over the past 24 hrs about whether Gemini was going out of business. This prompted me to make some inquiries of my own. There's no message or notice on the Gemini Air Cargo website stating that the carrier's operations have ceased, however several sources I tend to trust have said that the rumor about the shutdown of Gemini's operations is true.Apparently I am not the only one trying to verify the rumors. An article today on FlightGlobal.com, which is known as a reliable source of aviation news, reports that "sources with knowledge of the situation" say that Gemini Air Cargo has indeed closed its doors.
Regular readers of Aircrew Buzz will recall that I reported in June that Gemini Air Cargo filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At that time, 75 of Gemini's 225 pilots were either furloughed or terminated, however the air freight carrier continued to operate its DC-10-30F and MD-11F aircraft. The bankruptcy filing in June was the air cargo operator's second in two years.
I will add an update to this post as soon as any official information becomes available.
UPDATE Aug. 15, 2008: Air Cargo News reported this morning that Gemini Air Cargo has ceased operations and has entered Chapter 7 liquidation. The article said, "The bankruptcy court was due to rule on a successful bidder on 15 August, however, it is believed that negotiations with the final interested party, Bravia Capital, broke down on 12 August and the airline subsequently ceased flying operations."
According to Air Cargo News, Gemini's four MD-11Fs will now be returned to the lessors, two to GECAS and two to AerCap. Rumor has it that the two GECAS-owned aircraft are likely to be placed with World Airways, which has been looking to increase its MD-11 fleet.
I saw a Gemini Cargo DC10 leave MIA for ROW (Roswell, NM.) on Monday afternoon 8/11
ReplyDeleteMy father works for Gemini. They officially shut their doors on the evening of August 12th. They are bringing all of the pilots that are working home and the ones doing recurrent training will be heading home as well. It is a very sad day.
ReplyDeleteGemini Air Cargo has indeed shut Down. It's not a rumor. It's a fact.
ReplyDeleteThis was the last e-mail from Gemini.
ReplyDeleteDear Employees:
As you all know, our bankruptcy process was designed to quickly find a new owner for Gemini. I am happy to announce that we have received a formal bid for the Gemini business by a U.S. consortium, which includes the HNA Group of companies, with subsidiary airlines such as; Hainan Airlines (4th largest airline in China), Yangtze River Express and China Xinhua Airlines. In addition, the HNA Group has holdings in the logistics and transportation field, airport management, tourism and hotel management. They have been talking to management about how to use our MD11 ACMI as a platform for expansion, and we are very pleased that they see Gemini as a component for their growth strategy.
We will have more news next week, as this process is designed to move quickly.
Enjoy the weekend,
George Gonzalez
Thank you all for the additional information.
ReplyDeleteWorked there for about a year. Management was all hot talk about purchasing aircraft and expanding. This had been going on since before my time.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun flying the MD but glad I left before it all went downhill fast.
Am very upset now. Husband worked for Gemini gor 10 years. Had some vacation saved, put in expense reports and got nothing for a paycheck today. Virginia unemployment pays out very little of what was paid in. I am glad we have "little" in savings to cover some bills. My husband did like Gemini even though the hours and work was grueling. He has met alot of friends. It is amazing how these guys look after one another. I am sorry for all you guys that busted your butt and got nothing in return.
ReplyDeleteI worked for Gemini for 1 year as a Maintenance Rep. A lot of good people are loosing their jobs. I've tried to contact the company regarding my 401k and training records. So far no one is responding. It is going to be interesting to figure out how to get all the money from the company 401k.
ReplyDeleteGemini is trying to revive themselves one more time and are currently trying to get one DC10 in the air. The timing and the equipment is all you need to foresee the future of this endeavor. Also-mostly same management with a couple guys from the defunct MAXJET also involved at the senior level. New name actually contains Gemini--something!
ReplyDelete