The United pilots said it welcomed the company's announcement of the return of 100 to 200 furloughed pilots.

The United Chapter of the Air Line Pilots Association noted that that these recalls are the first of a wave of recalls that will eventually lead to the return of all 1,437 furloughed pilots.

"When a furloughed United pilot returns to our cockpits, whether United or subsidiary Continental, it is welcome news," said United MEC Chairman Captain Wendy Morse. "No pilots have paid a higher price for the recent shocks to the aviation industry than the 1,437 United pilots who have been on furlough."

According to a release, training could begin as early as late September. While these pilots will be hired to staff Continental aircraft, they will retain seniority rights in position on the United pilot seniority list. The seniority lists of both carriers will only be merged after the completion of a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement allowing United to recognize the benefits of finally completing the merger.

"We still have work to do to get the remaining United pilots off the street," added Capt. Morse. "We remain focused on securing a Joint Collective Bargaining Agreement with United and getting all of our pilots back to work. We look forward to that day and will not rest until they return."

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