Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines plans to bring 42 pilots back to work off furlough this month, a sign of further recovery in the airline industry.
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Atlanta-based ASA is recalling the pilots as it adds four CRJ-700 aircraft to its fleet, which now includes 160 aircraft.
But the airline won’t be bringing all of its furloughed pilots back to work yet. It grounded 136 last year amid the economic downturn, which dampened travel demand. As a Delta Connection carrier, ASA was affected by Delta’s cutbacks in flying.
“Atlantic Southeast will continue working to find more opportunities for growth so that we can get all our furloughed pilots back flying with us as soon as possible,” Brad Holt, president of the airline, said in a written statement. The airline has about 1,600 pilots, and they are represented by the Air Line Pilots Association. Furloughs are based on seniority.
Atlanta-based Delta is also hiring 300 pilots. And Comair, a Delta Connection carrier and Delta subsidiary, is recalling at least 70 pilots and 40 flight attendants who had been furloughed.
