Continental Airlines is recalling 132 pilots who were furloughed in September of 2008. The recalled pilots will begin to return for training before the end of 2010. In a statement to the press, Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the Continental Airlines unit of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) said, “With the increases in flying due to increased passenger traffic and anticipated aircraft deliveries, combined with normal pilot attrition rates, we have been saying for months that we needed our pilots back in order to adequately maintain the level of service that Continental is known for."
Fifteen furloughed pilots returned to work at Continental earlier this year. The newly announced recall will bring back the remainder of the 148 pilots who were furloughed in 2008.
