American Airlines recalls staff to meet higher travel demand

More than 3,000 flight attendants set to return to duties

American Airlines plans to recruit about 800 flight attendants by March. AP Photo / Wilfredo Lee

American Airlines has asked about 3,300 flight attendants on voluntary leave to return by the holiday season to meet rising customer demand, according to a letter to staff reviewed by Reuters.

The US airline said it would also begin recruiting and hiring about 800 cabin attendants by March.

"Increasing customer demand and new routes starting later this year mean we need more flight attendants to operate the airline," the company said.

American Airlines furloughed around 8,000 employees when federal aid for airline workers temporarily expired last year and thousands of others took voluntary leave.

But as travel demand increases, thanks to speedy Covid-19 vaccinations and easing of restrictions, airlines have scrambled to bring back employees whose jobs may have otherwise been at risk when a third round of government aid expires in October.

US airlines received a total $54 billion to cover workers' salaries during the coronavirus crisis. Coupled with the rebound, that money helped Delta Air Lines on Wednesday post its first quarterly profit since the pandemic.

American, which is due to report second-quarter results next Thursday, said it could also report a small profit.

Chief executive Doug Parker said demand remains strong in July and for the remainder of the summer, with business customers increasingly returning.

Other airlines have also announced plans to recall staff and begin hiring, a drastic turnaround from furlough threats when the industry remained in the doldrums a year ago.