United Airlines plans to recall about 300 pilots to meet an expected increase in flying next year as it comes out of bankruptcy, the nation's No. 2 airline said.
The total represents nearly a sixth of those remaining on furlough and will add 5 percent to United's work force of approximately 6,500 active pilots.
The Air Line Pilots Association said Wednesday it was pleased with the announcement. "The more furloughed pilots recalled the better, and the sooner the better," said spokesman Dave Kelly of the United branch of ALPA.
United said Tuesday it has recalled 234 pilots from furlough in 2005.
Steve Forte, United's senior vice president for flight operations, said the airline is likely to exceed the planned total of 300 pilot recalls in 2006 once military leave and other factors are taken into account.
The first batch of 20 recalled pilots is scheduled to return to work on Jan. 9.
United, which is owned by Elk Grove Village-based UAL Corp., aims to exit bankruptcy on Feb. 1 after spending more than three years reorganizing its finances under Chapter 11 of U.S. bankruptcy law, which protects it from creditors' lawsuits.
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